
Fed official urges data-driven stance as inflation lingers, hikes still on the table
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said inflation remains a concern but called for a data-driven approach, cautioning against fighting the last war and noting that rate hikes would depend on incoming data. He cited tariffs, Middle East energy pressures, and AI‑driven demand as drivers of persistent inflation, while praising a strong labor market and anchored expectations. He warned against complacency and indicated the Fed could tighten if inflation proves stubborn, with the July CPI data and meeting shaping the path forward; markets price about a 39% chance of a hike.




