Cleveland Federal Reserve President Loretta Mester said Tuesday she still expects interest rate cuts this year, but ruled out the next policy meeting in May.
Should that continue, rate cuts are likely, though she didn't offer any guidance on timing or extent.
While looking for rate cuts, Mester said she thinks the long-run federal funds rate will be higher than the long-standing expectation of 2.5%.
After the March meeting, the long-rate rate projection moved up to 2.6%, indicating there are other members leaning higher.
Mester noted the rate was very low when the Covid pandemic hit and gave the Fed little wiggle room to boost the economy.
Persons:
Loretta Mester, Mester
Organizations:
Cleveland Federal, Market
Locations:
Cleveland