Fed’s Harker: Next Fed rate choice 'could go either way' depending on data

Commenting on the US Federal Reserve (Fed) interest rate outlook, Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker said that the “next Fed rate choice 'could go either way' depending on the data.”

Additional quotes

Supported steady interest rate stance at latest FOMC meeting .

Now is a time to take stock of past rate hikes’ impact.

Fed will stay higher for longer, no sign of near-term rate cuts.

Labor market is moving into better balance.

Unemployment rate to rise to 4.5% in 2024 before falling.

Confident consumers will help achieve soft landing.

Unclear yet whether consumers have expended spending power.

No recession seen, but growth likely to cool off.

Inflation steadily falling, to hit 3% in 2024, 2% after.