Cleveland Fed head Loretta Mester speaks to the Wall St Journal
- Points out strong economic growth, low unemployment rate and stable inflation
- Says that economy can certainly handle two more rate hikes this year
- Would end up getting behind if "we don't move things up"
- Expects the Fed to raise rates to 3% to reach a neutral level
- Says that the Fed is very near its goals
- Doesn't believe that the Fed could afford to wait to see if inflation moves higher before raising rates
Mester has always been a hawk so her comments here aren't too surprising really. She's also part of the voting board this year, so it's a good to reaffirm that at least she sees two more rate hikes to come all else being equal.
No mention on other risk factors though such as the flattening yield curve or trade tensions. The full interview can be found here (may be gated).