Lacker Says Incoming Data Harden View for June Fed Rate Rise

The Federal Reserve should raise interest rates in June on the basis of stronger U.S. data, said a senior policy maker who has sought tighter monetary policy in the past.

“At this point, raising rates in June looks like the attractive option for me,” Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Jeffrey Lacker told reporters on Tuesday after a speech in Raleigh, North Carolina. “Data between now and then may change my mind, but it would have to be surprising data.”