31 Mar 2016
Evans overtly dovish, but offered optimism - Westpac
Analysts at Westpac noted that Chicago Fed president Evans spoke twice, initially to CNBC and then again in a prepared speech to the Forecasters Club in NY.
Key Quotes:
"He saw risks tilted towards the downside, suggesting a “very shallow path” for interest rates was likely in the next 3 years.
Evans said the “hurdle is high” for an April hike and said seasonal issues with inflation measurements could muddy the data until late summer.
Evans is the most overtly dovish of the current regional Fed presidents but also included some more confident comments, saying US economic fundamentals are quite good and repeating last week’s view that at least 2 hikes are probable this year."
Key Quotes:
"He saw risks tilted towards the downside, suggesting a “very shallow path” for interest rates was likely in the next 3 years.
Evans said the “hurdle is high” for an April hike and said seasonal issues with inflation measurements could muddy the data until late summer.
Evans is the most overtly dovish of the current regional Fed presidents but also included some more confident comments, saying US economic fundamentals are quite good and repeating last week’s view that at least 2 hikes are probable this year."