The Fed: Neutral Or Bust?

Something’s amiss with Fed Chair Powell’s explanation for lowering the federal fund rate a second time in two months despite an economy he admits is performing remarkably well. He tied the rationale for the move to the theoretical “neutral FFR,” implying that monetary policy needs to be less restrictive to reach that point, even though that point is intrinsically unknowable. Also implied was that the related risks are worth taking—including potentially overheating a strong economy, untethering inflation, and inciting a stock market meltup. Eric and Ed disagree that risking all that for an elusive goal makes sense. … Also: A few more questions they would have liked to put to Powell at his Thursday presser. ... Also: Ed reviews “Disclaimer” (+ +).