Comments from the Fed's Harker in Philadelphia

  • Inflation to meet target in late 2017 or early 2018
  • US economy is 'more or less' back to full health

Similar remarks to a Feb 15 speech.

The problem with talking about 3 hikes is that it doesn't necessarily point to March. It could be something like June, Sept, Dec.

If feel like those pushing for 3 hikes won't battle too hard in March but the argument for moving sooner is that it leaves the option to wait and see later in the year rather than hiking every second meeting.