Core Viewpoint - The recent Hoover Institution conference at Stanford University highlighted the challenges facing the Federal Reserve in achieving its inflation target of 2% while gradually lowering interest rates, suggesting that this "mission" may never be fully accomplished and indicating a potential redefinition of the Fed's role in the future [1][2]. Group 1: Federal Reserve's Evolving Role - The Federal Reserve has transitioned from a mere monetary policy maker to a "super central bank" that actively intervenes in crises, a role it has played for the past 30 years [1]. - There is a growing consensus that the era of aggressive Fed intervention is nearing its end, with future policies expected to be more restrained and limited [1][3]. - Criticism has emerged regarding the Fed's current policy tools and theoretical frameworks, with calls for a focus on ensuring monetary predictability to support economic contracts rather than solely controlling inflation [1][2]. Group 2: Critiques and Recommendations - Harvard professor Jason Furman criticized the Fed for its "confused framework" and urged for clearer, more predictable rules instead of reactive measures [2]. - Cleveland Fed's new president, Loretta Mester, suggested a reevaluation of the Fed's balance sheet and the long-term impacts of quantitative easing and tightening policies [2]. - Concerns were raised about the brevity of current policy decision memos, which may lead to market instability due to excessive speculation on Fed Chair Jerome Powell's statements [2]. Group 3: Future Leadership and Policy Directions - Powell's term is set to end in May next year, with speculation that his successor may be Kevin Walsh, who advocates for a less interventionist Fed focused solely on inflation control [3]. - Another potential successor, Michelle Bowman, also leans towards a more lenient regulatory stance, indicating a shift within the Fed [3]. - The Fed is expected to release a new policy framework review this summer, but skepticism exists regarding its effectiveness before leadership changes occur [3]. Group 4: Economic Outlook - Under Walsh's potential leadership, the Fed may adopt a more restrained approach, which could leave it "under-armed" in the event of a future financial crisis [4]. - Furman noted that the economy is entering a new phase, raising doubts about whether inflation can decrease further even without new tariffs from Trump [4].