More from Brainard (Q&A):

  • inflation a significant challenge for all Americans; requires consistent policies focused on that
  • supply indicators are getting better but still more constrained than before the pandemic
  • big improvement in the labor force participation for primate workers, but still see excess retirements among older workers
  • labor supply likely to remain below pre-pandemic level for some time
  • further shocks possible to food and energy prices due to Russia’s war against Ukraine
  • inflation for in-person services more linked to return of labor
  • Fed very aware that it operates in a global economy and financial system
  • most central banks are united in fight against inflation; important to be transparent over policies
  • real important risk that inflation expectations could start to drift higher, which would make the Fed’s job harder
  • easing prematurely is a risk, but at some point risks could become more two-sided
  • moving in the data dependent and deliberate ways allows Fed to learn how tightening is influencing inflation and economy