Federal Reserve’s Kashkari: Prolonged Iran War Could Trigger a 'Series' of US Rate Hikes

Odaily Planet Daily News: According to Nikkei Asia, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari stated that the Fed may implement a "series" of interest rate hikes in response to inflationary issues triggered by the situation in the Middle East. During the FOMC meeting in late April, the Fed maintained interest rates unchanged. Kashkari and two other officials opposed the decision to include language in the Fed's statement hinting at future monetary policy easing. In a written interview, Kashkari said, "I believe the next interest rate adjustment could be a rate cut, or it could be a rate hike," thereby expressing his differing viewpoint. Kashkari stated that the outcome depends on inflation trends, which hinge on whether the Strait of Hormuz will reopen soon or remain effectively closed due to further damage to infrastructure in the region, the latter of which would exacerbate global energy shortages. Kashkari noted that the concern is that long-term inflation expectations of businesses and households "could become unanchored." He indicated that the FOMC "would likely need to respond forcefully," and rate hikes, possibly even a series of them, might be necessary. (Source: Jinshi Data App)