Fed's Barkin: If the consumers keep spending, US economy is in a good place

Fed's Barkin weighs in on the economy

The Richmond Fed's Thomas Barkin is on the wires weighing in on the US economy.

• As long as US consumers keep spending, US economy in a good place
• US economy given conflicting signals
• Risks to the US economy still tilted to the downside
• Does not discount idea that US could talk itself into a recession
• He is closely watching whether this year's rate cuts have the intended effect on the US economy
• The biggest boost of the US economy would be from lessening uncertainty
• Economic headwinds mostly driven by uncertainty on trade and politics
• Risk slowing global growth will affect the United States

Although Barkin is hopeful, he is also cautious about the prospects going forward for the usualy reasons. Barkin is not a voting member in 2019 nor will he be a voting member in 2020.