Question For The Fed: Where Is Waldo?

The risks to the Fed’s dual mandate are constantly changing. Its attempt to hit its inflation target is complicated by price pressures beyond the control of interest rates, and its attempt to hit on a federal funds rate that neither over-stimulates nor over-restricts economic growth is complicated by the elusive nature of this neutral rate. Today, Elias and Ed examine the forces with bearing on the Fed’s rate decisions since 2022. They also explain why they believe that the neutral federal funds rate has risen over recent years and the implications for monetary policy looking ahead.