Fed likely to need to raise rates amid worsening inflation: Daly

San Francisco Federal Reserve President Mary Daly expressed her belief on Friday that the central bank is likely to raise interest rates to combat persistent inflation. Daly stated that she will discuss this issue with her colleagues during their meeting in December and future meetings, aiming to decide what is best for the evolving economy.

Producers have indicated they are reaching their limit for passing increased costs to consumers, urging the central bank to act. The core consumer price index, excluding volatile food and energy prices, has risen by approximately 0.3% each month over the past three months, which is significantly higher than the 0.2% or less rate needed for the Fed's 2% inflation target.

Daly is particularly worried about services inflation, excluding housing, not moving in the correct direction, as it tends to be sticky. She emphasized that producers are running out of room to absorb higher costs without passing them on to customers. Daly noted that the Federal Reserve's December 8-9 and January 26-27 meetings are expected to see quarter-point interest-rate hikes, with financial markets betting heavily on these increases.

Daly also highlighted the importance of monitoring consumer spending, as it accounts for most of the US economy, especially in the lead-up to the holiday season. She expressed concern that consumers may be nearing their limits and could begin to reduce spending if prices continue to rise.