Comments from a speech from Federal Reserve vice-chair Stanly Fischer

  • Says some major central banks will begin lifting rates from zero in 'relatively near future'
  • We have done everything we can to avoid surprising markets, governments when we move
  • Some central bankers have been telling the Fed for some time to 'just do it'
  • Slowing of Asia growth a natural transition, outcome of economic success
  • Asia growth still expected to significantly outpace global economy in years ahead
  • Slowing demand growth from China an important factor in commodity price declines
  • Metals prices could remain low for some time
  • Outlook for oil prices less certain, could be buoyed by income growth in China
  • India has potential to boost asia growth, but needs relaxation of limits on foreign investment
  • China's importance in global economy likely to increase
  • No final decision on rate hike has been made, continue to scrutinize data

Headlines via Reuters

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There will be more from a Q&A to follow

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More:

  • Fed meetings are now 'getting interesting' as possible rate hike discussed