Fed Weighs More Hikes on Inflation Concerns

Barclays senior US economist Pooja Sriram said higher interest rates are a blunt tool that tighten financial conditions and hit rate-sensitive sectors such as housing and autos first. While rising Treasury yields and the bond selloff have added restraint, she said it is unclear whether conditions are restrictive enough. With oil prices rising again, further pressure on housing and auto demand could create uneven economic damage without resolving inflation. Sriram said the Fed’s approach, reflected in September meeting minutes, is focused on managing the risk that strong demand, persistent inflation or adverse supply shocks push prices higher. The Fed appears prepared to raise rates further, though she said a hike as soon as October is unlikely. (Source: Bloomberg)