• Aug 23, 2024

IMF's Gourinchas says right for US to cut rates though inflation risk not gone

The imminent rate cuts planned by the U.S. Federal Reserve are "in line" with International Monetary Fund advice that has put a premium on ensuring inflation was controlled but now sees risks shifting toward the labor market, IMF economic counsellor Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas said on Friday. "What was telegraphed by (Fed chair Jerome) Powell today is very much in line with what we've advocated," Gourinchas said on the sidelines of a Kansas City Fed economic conference. "Inflation has been improving and labor markets have shown signs of cooling ... If labor markets are not contributing to inflation pressures anymore ... then you might ease a little bit on cooling aggregate demand and bring (the policy rate of interest) back closer to neutral."