Fed should 'lean against' persistent tariff-driven inflation, Musalem says
Noting high uncertainty over the effects and timing of tariffs and other new policies and the "distinct possibility" that inflation reaccelerates even as the labor market softens, Musalem said Fed policy is well positioned and should remain vigilant. "I would be wary of assuming the impact of high tariffs on inflation would be only brief or limited," Musalem told the Arkansas Bankers Association. "I consider it appropriate to 'lean against' second-round effects with monetary policy, although discerning between underlying inflation and the direct, indirect and second-round effects of tariffs is likely to be challenging in real time."