Fed Official Warns of Rising Inflation Risks in 2025

A Federal Reserve official has warned that inflation could pose a greater challenge in 2025 than many investors anticipate.
Thomas Barkin, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, shared his concerns during a talk with the Maryland Bankers Association in Baltimore, highlighting potential risks from rising wages and broader price pressures.
Barkin expressed his preference for maintaining a restrictive monetary policy for an extended period, cautioning against prematurely lowering interest rates. He argued that the risks of inflation outweigh the potential downsides of a slower economy, pointing to factors like strong hiring trends and resilient economic growth as contributors to upward pressure on prices.
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The federal funds rate currently sits at 4.33%, following a series of cuts initiated by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) in late 2024. The FOMC is set to review its rate policy during its next meeting on January 28. Barkin indicated optimism for economic growth but emphasized that the inflationary risks remain a top concern.
A recent WalletHub survey reflects similar anxieties among the public, with 56% of Americans identifying inflation as their primary financial worry for the year. This widespread concern underscores the challenge policymakers face in balancing growth with price stability.