Comments from Richmond Fed hawk Jeffrey Lacker:

  • Strong economy powerful argument for higher real rates
  • We should view hikes as a sign of a strong US economy
  • Monetary policy still 'highly accommodative'
  • Sees growth around 2.2% pace despite export drag
  • Remains confident inflation will move back toward 2%
  • Expect rates to rise at gradual pace, depending on data
  • Headline inflation to move higher once oil bottoms

He's starting to sound like someone from the BOJ who continually forecasts +2% just over the horizon.