Fed's Bostic: Fed has to be cautious about first rate move

Atlanta Federal Reserve President Raphael Bostic said on Tuesday that the restrictive monetary policy is having an impact on rate-sensitive sectors and delaying investment, per Reuters.

Key takeaways

"Businesses are confident in underlying strength of the economy; next year or two should see continued solid performance."

"The efficacy of monetary policy may be weaker than in the past, but that doesn't mean it is having no impact at all."

"The Fed's highest priority is to get inflation back to 2%."

"Expecting inflation to decline but relatively slowly, would not expect a rate cut before the fourth quarter."

"No longer hearing about difficulties in supply chains; hope is that goods deflation continues."

"The upcoming framework review will be robust, given the number of open questions about the economy and policy."

"Though businesses are confident about the economy, they don't feel they have the same pricing power as even 6 months ago."

"Fed has to be cautious about the first rate move, may need to be later in order to not stoke pent-up exuberance for investment, other spending."

"Would rather wait longer for a rate cut to be sure inflation does not start to bounce around."

"Not in a hurry to cut rates; want to make sure that policy easing is unambiguous."

Market reaction

The US Dollar Index edged slightly higher following these comments and was last seen rising 0.1% on the day at 104.68.