Following the arrival of critical US economy inflation data, all eyes are on what the central bank is set to do about interest rates. Now, top Federal Reserve official Christopher Waller told CNBC that three to four cuts are still possible this year, “if the data cooperates.”
The statement arrived after the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index (CPI) saw inflation rise to 2.9% in December of 2024. Moreover, that data was an increase on November’s 2.7%. Moreover, Waller has previously been an outspoken advocate of more rate cuts this year.
JUST IN: 🇺🇸 FED's Christopher Waller says "three or four cuts could be possible this year."
— Watcher.Guru (@WatcherGuru) January 16, 2025
Also Read: Will the Fed’s Rate Cut Boost Bitcoin? Experts Weigh In
Federal Reserve’s Christopher Waller Says As Many as Four Rate Cuts Could Be Possible This Year
For the past several years, the US economy has been engaged in an aggressive fight against inflation. The metric has been easing and retreated from a 40-year high to edge closer to central bank targets. Yet, with the figure still at the forefront of decision-making, the most recent data will be set to inform the government’s action in a crucial year.
There are many who are still advocating for the presence of more easing over the next several months. Among them is Federal Reserve official Christopher Waller, who recently told CNBC that three to four more interest rate cuts are certainly possible this year.
Also Read: Goldman Sachs Predicts 75 Basis Point Fed Rate Cut in 2025 – How It Will Impact Your Investments
The sentiment echoes what Waller has been saying regarding what he believes should take place this year. Just last week, the Fed governor championed the idea of speaking at an event in Paris. Moreover, he said the incoming economic policy enacted by US President-elect Donald Trump is unlikely to sway him.
“My bottom-line message is that I believe more cuts will be appropriate,” he said, according to an AP report. “If, as I expect, tariffs do not have an as significant or persistent effect on inflation, they are unlikely to affect my view,” the Fed official added.
Ultimately, Waller stood by the Federal Reserve’s belief. Specifically, he noted that inflation would “continue to make progress toward our 2% goal over the medium term.” Moreover, the official has continued to call for more rate reductions.