Exclusive-Fed’s Daly says rate hikes likely needed, but not urgently

San Francisco Federal Reserve President Mary Daly indicated on Wednesday that the central bank may need to raise short-term interest rates further to combat persistently high inflation, though she does not expect any immediate action at their upcoming October 27-28 meeting. Daly told Reuters in an interview that while additional adjustments are likely, the precise timing remains uncertain as the committee deliberates with limited information.

She emphasized that there is no urgency to make such a decision with incomplete data. Daly noted that financial markets have understood the Fed's reaction function, as evidenced by traders' bets on a potential rate hike at the next meeting, which now stand at around 40%, up from previous estimates. However, she stressed that it is imprudent to react to risk when there is ample time to make well-informed decisions.

Daly highlighted that the labor market remains stable, providing the Fed with flexibility to focus on price stability. She stressed the importance of careful deliberation and cautioned against taking hasty action.