Fed’s Barkin: Job growth is down, but labor supply is also slowing

Source Fxstreet

Federal Reserve (Fed) Bank of Richmond President Thomas Barkin spoke about the economic outlook at the Top of Virginia Economic Summit hosted by Shenandoah University on Tuesday. He claimed that the labor market seems balanced, but firms say labor is available, and recent layoffs warrant caution.

Key quotes

There is still pressure on both sides of the US central bank's mandate.  

He hopes coming data, along with community surveys, will provide clarity on direction of economy.  

Inflation is above target but isn't likely to increase, with consumer push-back, productivity Improvements helping it slow.  

Job growth is down, but labor supply is also slowing.  

There is a lot to learn between now and the next meeting.  

Credit card spending and third-quarter earnings remain healthy, but some sectors and consumers are struggling.  

Labor market seems in balance, but firms say labor is available, and recent layoffs are a cause for caution.  

In interview says he is not hearing that companies are actively planning further layoffs.  

The labor market is softening, but doesn't think it will soften that much more.  

Inflation is above target but not likely to accelerate.  

It's hard to declare victory on either mandate, but also not clear either requires a response.  

Inflation does not appear headed higher, but also not clear it is heading back to 2%; Unemployment likely to edge higher but perhaps not by much.  

Without compelling data it is hard to get a broad consensus.  

The upside of more consensus is the ability of markets to set expectations.  

Prior beliefs about issues like tariffs are not evidence of politicization.  

Policy is still modestly restrictive."

US Dollar Price Today

The table below shows the percentage change of US Dollar (USD) against listed major currencies today. US Dollar was the strongest against the Swiss Franc.

USD EUR GBP JPY CAD AUD NZD CHF
USD 0.09% 0.10% 0.08% -0.31% -0.01% 0.03% 0.34%
EUR -0.09% 0.02% -0.02% -0.40% -0.10% -0.05% 0.26%
GBP -0.10% -0.02% -0.06% -0.42% -0.12% -0.07% 0.24%
JPY -0.08% 0.02% 0.06% -0.39% -0.09% -0.05% 0.27%
CAD 0.31% 0.40% 0.42% 0.39% 0.30% 0.34% 0.66%
AUD 0.01% 0.10% 0.12% 0.09% -0.30% 0.04% 0.36%
NZD -0.03% 0.05% 0.07% 0.05% -0.34% -0.04% 0.31%
CHF -0.34% -0.26% -0.24% -0.27% -0.66% -0.36% -0.31%

The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the US Dollar from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the Japanese Yen, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent USD (base)/JPY (quote).

balanced, but firms say labor is available, and recent layoffs warrant

Disclaimer: For information purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
placeholder
Bitcoin Price Annual Forecast: BTC readies for home run in 2024 with two bullish fundamentals on tapBitcoin prices could return to 2021 highs around $69,000 in 2024 on expectations of the next bull cycle.
Author  FXStreet
Dec 22, 2023
Bitcoin prices could return to 2021 highs around $69,000 in 2024 on expectations of the next bull cycle.
placeholder
Natural Gas sinks to pivotal level as China’s demand slumpsNatural Gas price (XNG/USD) edges lower and sinks to $2.56 on Monday, extending its losing streak for the fifth day in a row. The move comes on the back of China cutting its Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) imports after prices rose above $3.0 in June. It
Author  FXStreet
Jul 01, 2024
Natural Gas price (XNG/USD) edges lower and sinks to $2.56 on Monday, extending its losing streak for the fifth day in a row. The move comes on the back of China cutting its Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) imports after prices rose above $3.0 in June. It
placeholder
The dollar weakened, equities dipped, and gold hit record highsThe dollar weakened, equities fell, and gold set new records on Wednesday as investors waited for a Fed rate cut later in the day.
Author  Cryptopolitan
Sep 17, 2025
The dollar weakened, equities fell, and gold set new records on Wednesday as investors waited for a Fed rate cut later in the day.
placeholder
ECB Policy Outlook for 2026: What It Could Mean for the Euro’s Next MoveWith the ECB likely holding rates steady at 2.15% and the Fed potentially extending cuts into 2026, EUR/USD may test 1.20 if Eurozone growth proves resilient, but weaker growth and an ECB pivot could pull the pair back toward 1.13 and potentially 1.10.
Author  Mitrade
Dec 26, 2025
With the ECB likely holding rates steady at 2.15% and the Fed potentially extending cuts into 2026, EUR/USD may test 1.20 if Eurozone growth proves resilient, but weaker growth and an ECB pivot could pull the pair back toward 1.13 and potentially 1.10.
placeholder
Gold Price Forecast: XAU/USD opens lower around $4,450 on fears of widening Iran conflictsGold price (XAU/USD) opens over 1% lower to near $4,445.00 on Monday, as oil prices have rallied further on fears of further widening of conflicts in the Middle East. WTI Oil price is up almost 3% above $102.50 in the opening trade, increasing fears of higher inflation expectations globally.
Author  FXStreet
Mar 30, Mon
Gold price (XAU/USD) opens over 1% lower to near $4,445.00 on Monday, as oil prices have rallied further on fears of further widening of conflicts in the Middle East. WTI Oil price is up almost 3% above $102.50 in the opening trade, increasing fears of higher inflation expectations globally.
Related Instrument
goTop
quote