Central Banks

Fed’s Barkin Says Soft Landing Looks More Likely, But Not Inevitable

  • March is far away, tries not to ‘prejudge’ meetings, he says
  • Potential for hikes still on table with strong demand
Fed's Barkin Says US Soft Landing Isn't Inevitable
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Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Thomas Barkin said a soft landing for the US economy is looking more likely but hardly certain, noting he’d need more conviction about the path of inflation before supporting a rate cut.

“A soft landing is increasingly conceivable but in no way inevitable,” Barkin, who will vote on policy decisions this year, said in a speech Wednesday. “Demand, employment and inflation all surged but now seem to be on a path back toward normal.”