> Fed's Williams: Will "wait and see on" on data between now and December FOMC

Fed's Williams: Will "wait and see on" on data between now and December FOMC

Sunday, 08/11/2015 | 07:40 GMT-0

San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank President John Williams spoke in Arizona over the weekend. Probably to Greg, but I'll have to check that.

Asked about a his view on a December rate hike, he said he expects "a lot of data" between now and then & "I am going to wait and see"

"I do think it makes sense to gradually remove the policy of accommodation that helped get the economy to where we are"
Says he believes the factors holding inflation low (eg. oil prices, strong dollar) should soon ebb and allow inflation to bounce
Says starting rate hikes sooner than later would allow a "smoother, more gradual process of policy normalization"

Reuters and Bloomberg both have more, and both ungated.

"Wait and see" makes sense. If someone in China breaks wind between now and December that'll likely be enough to send the Fed ducking for cover and postponing a hike.