Fed's Hammack: Challenging time for monetary policy

Inflation Concerns - The current inflation rate has been above the target of 2% for over four and a half years, with pressures noted in both headline and core inflation, particularly in services [1][4][5] - There is a belief that the inflationary pressures may not solely stem from tariffs, indicating a need for increased attention to the situation [2][10] Labor Market Dynamics - The labor market appears to be in balance, with an unemployment rate around 4.3%, which has remained stable for the past year [3][4][15] - Businesses are currently absorbing price pressures but may need to pass these costs onto consumers in the near future, particularly as contracts are renegotiated [7][8] Economic Outlook - The forecast suggests inflation will remain above target for the next one to two years, potentially not reaching the 2% goal until late 2027 or early 2028 [5] - There is optimism regarding consumer demand and corporate profits, which may support GDP growth despite elevated market valuations [20] Monetary Policy Stance - The current monetary policy is described as mildly restrictive, with a need to maintain this stance until there are signs of significant economic weakness [29][30] - A government shutdown could negatively impact GDP growth, but historically, such events have had minimal long-term effects [27][28]