Fed’s Bowman: Stubborn inflationary pressures supported more “measured” rate cut

Investing.com — US Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman has flagged that major inflation gauges remain “uncomfortably above” the Fed’s stated target level, as she defended her decision to vote against a super-sized 50-basis point interest rate cut last week.

Bowman, in the first dissent by a Fed governor since 2005, instead supported a smaller drawdown of borrowing costs by 25 basis points.

The stance deprived Fed Chair Jerome Powell of total unity among Fed rate-setters during a time when the central bank has signaled that it intends to begin a new easing cycle.

Speaking at the Kentucky Bankers Association Annual Convention in Virginia on Tuesday, Bowman said the upside risks to inflation are “prominent,” with potential price pressures coming from aggressive fiscal policies and an ongoing imbalance between housing supply and demand.

Prior to last Wednesday’s jumbo rate reduction, interest rates had stood at a more than two-decade high for over a year, an elevated level that was heavily influenced by the Fed’s desire to quell sky-high inflation.

Although the pace of price gains has since cooled, some measures indicate that pressure lingers from so-called “core” inflation, which strips out volatile items like food and fuel.

On an annualized basis, the core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index came in at 2.6% in August. Bowman highlighted this reading in particular, noting that it is “uncomfortably above” the Fed’s 2% target level. Updated PCE data is due to be released on Friday.

Bowman’s comments contrasted with those from several other Fed officials earlier this week, who argued that the half-point cut was needed because high rates were placing too much pressure on the economy during a time when inflation appears to be fading and strains on labor demand are increasing.

More Fed officials are due to speak this week, including Powell on Thursday.