Fed Officials Signal Imminent Interest Rate Cuts Amid Easing Inflation

Top Federal Reserve officials said on Wednesday that the U.S. central bank is "closer" to cutting interest rates, citing an improved trajectory for inflation and a balanced labor market. The remarks lay the groundwork for a potential reduction in borrowing costs by September.

Fed Governor Christopher Waller and New York Fed President John Williams both pointed to a shorter horizon toward looser monetary policy. Waller discussed it in a speech at the Kansas City Fed, while Williams brought it up in a Wall Street Journal interview.

Separately, Richmond Fed President Thomas Barkin expressed his optimism about the broadening declines in inflation. “I’d like to see that continue,” he remarked to a business group in Maryland. The comments add to a wave of statements from central bank officials, including Fed Chair Jerome Powell, who emphasized their growing confidence in the ongoing disinflationary trend.

(With inputs from agencies.)