Hawk: Recent rate hikes may be appropriate

Odaily Odaily reported that Federal Reserve's Hammack stated that with the labor market appearing to be approaching balance, a rate hike in the near term may be appropriate. Hammack said that while she never focuses too heavily on any single data point, today's employment report again confirms that the labor market seems to be roughly in balance. She noted that the unemployment rate remains at 4.3%, "which is broadly consistent with what I would define as full employment." "Given the uncertainty surrounding the economic outlook, it is reasonable to keep interest rates steady for now. But if recent trends continue, action may need to be taken soon." This essentially reiterates remarks she made on June 2. (Jinshi)