Updated
Updated · CNBC · Sep 20
Kashkari Backs 25-Basis-Point Rate Hike as U.S. Inflation Stays Near 3.6%
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Sep 20

Kashkari Backs 25-Basis-Point Rate Hike as U.S. Inflation Stays Near 3.6%

3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Sep 20

Summary

  • Kashkari said inflation remains too high across the U.S. economy, arguing price pressures extend well beyond the recent oil shock into services and other sectors.
  • A quarter-point increase last week lifted the Fed's policy rate to 3.75%-4.00%, a move Kashkari said was needed even though higher rates cannot reopen the Strait of Hormuz or lower crude prices directly.
  • Kashkari had dissented at the prior meeting in favor of a hike when the FOMC held rates steady, underscoring how his stance has shifted into the committee's unanimous decision.
  • Warsh struck a similar tone after Wednesday's meeting, estimating the Fed's preferred inflation gauge was running around 3.6% in August, still far above the central bank's 2% target.

Insights

If the Fed cannot control global oil shocks, are interest rate hikes punishing consumers without actually fixing the root cause of inflation?
Could the Fed's relentless pursuit of a two percent inflation target trigger an economic slowdown while everyday grocery bills continue to soar?
With AI investments fueling new economic demand, will the Federal Reserve's traditional rate hikes fail to tame the modern drivers of inflation?