Fed's William Dudley speaks in New Jersey

  • Inflation still short of Fed's target but core remains quite stable
  • Downplays risk of recession but says current expansion is " a bit long in the tooth"
  • Economic situation hasn't changed much since Dec FOMC
  • Some recent softening of data suggests a relatively weak Q4
  • Sees rate hikes on a path of early and slow not late and fast
  • Is most concerned about inflation expectations becoming unanchored to the downside
  • Auto sales boom may be close to cyclical peak
  • Sees a further pull back in the US energy sector and manufacturing will stay soft this year
  • Bond market reaction to lift off has been very mild

The bond market reaction may have been mild but it's picking up now