Fed Schmid: Supports a patient approach and changing the Fed’s policy rate | investingLive

• Retaining a modestly restrictive policy stance is considered appropriate for the time being.

• Supports a “patient approach” on changing the Fed’s policy rate.

• Policy rate is not far from neutral, but inflation remains too high.

• Tariffs’ limited effect on inflation is a reason to keep policy on hold, not to cut rates.

• Tariffs’ likely muted effect on inflation is a sign that policy is appropriately calibrated.

• No possibility of knowing the full effect of tariffs on prices over the next few months.

• Will adjust views if there are signs of significant weakening in demand growth.

Tilts more to the Hawkish tilt

The stance is firmly on holding rates steady, with inflation still viewed as too high and tariffs’ muted inflation impact reinforcing the case against cuts. The policy rate is seen near neutral, but the preference is for a patient, modestly restrictive approach until clearer signs of demand weakness emerge. This signals caution on easing and a focus on keeping policy tight enough to manage inflation risks.

Jeff Schmid is a voter this year and the Kansas City Fed President.

If you looked at the bias for the Fed members on September:

The market has a 90% chance for a cut. Given the split now, it is biased to a cut.

Fed Chair Powell is scheduled to speak at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium on Friday, August 23 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), according to the Kansas City Fed. Will he keep quiet until then?