Watch CNBC's full interview with Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran
Youtube·2025-12-15 17:37

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Myron dissented at the recent Fed meeting, advocating for steeper rate cuts due to concerns about tight monetary policy and its potential negative impact on the labor market and unemployment rates [1][2][4]. Inflation Analysis - Myron believes that underlying inflation is closer to the Fed's target than reported, arguing that the current inflation metrics are distorted by measurement quirks, particularly in the housing market and imputed prices for non-market services [3][5][8]. - He highlights that housing inflation is lagging due to the way rents are calculated, which does not reflect current market conditions, and anticipates a downward convergence in inflation as market rents have been growing at about a 1% rate for several years [6][7][14]. - Myron points out that portfolio management fees have contributed significantly to inflation metrics, despite being in a long-term downward trend, suggesting that these measurement issues should not dictate monetary policy [9][11][32]. Labor Market Concerns - The labor market is showing signs of weakness, with the unemployment rate ticking up, but Myron argues that the overall labor market remains in a good place and is not under severe stress [22][24][34]. - He emphasizes the need for the Fed to focus on employment rather than economic growth, as Congress has directed, and expresses concern that maintaining tight policy could lead to a weaker labor market in the future [22][27]. Monetary Policy Outlook - Myron advocates for a forward-looking monetary policy approach, suggesting that the Fed should make decisions based on forecasts rather than solely on current data, due to the inherent lags in monetary policy effects [58]. - He expresses that if the current trajectory of inflation and the labor market continues, the Fed could face significant challenges by 2027 if policy remains too tight [27][25]. Market Reactions - Myron acknowledges that while the Fed is cutting rates, market rates, particularly long-term rates, have not reflected these cuts, keeping mortgage rates high [35][36]. - He anticipates that long-term rates will eventually decline alongside short-term rates, despite some skepticism in the market regarding the impact of rate cuts [37][38].

Watch CNBC's full interview with Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran - Reportify