Fed's Waller: Ready to Cut Rates if Labor Market Weakens, Cautious on Inflation Risks

Published: Mar 21, 2026 16:40

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US Fed Governor Christopher Waller said on Friday that if signs of weakness emerged in the labor market, he would again support an interest rate cut later this year, while remaining alert to the inflationary pressures that the current geopolitical situation may bring.Waller noted that a closure of the Strait of Hormuz signaled greater inflationary pressure, and that higher oil prices could ultimately affect core inflation. He stressed that the current cautious stance did not mean there would be no action for the rest of the year.His remarks sent an important signal to the market—that the window for an interest rate cut had not closed, provided that employment data showed clear weakening.

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