Four Regional Fed Chiefs Urge Caution on More Rate Hikes

Jan 09, 2019

Four presidents of regional Federal Reserve Banks are urging a pause on additional interest rate hikes until there is a better understanding on the state of the economy.

According to a Reuters report, three of the four regional Fed leaders—Charles Evans of Chicago, Eric Rosengren of Boston and James Bullard of St. Louis—are voting members on the Federal Open Market Committee, the central bank’s policymaking panel; the fourth is Raphael Bostic of Atlanta, who has stated there was no urgency to raise rates at this time.

The statements on slowing the rate hike strategy follows December’s hike, which came amid a significant drop in the U.S. stock market. Although Fed forecasts after the December rate hikes called for two more rate hikes this year, the new comments suggest that is not a done deal.

“There should be no particular bias toward raising or lowering rates until the data more clearly indicate the path for domestic and international economic growth,” said Rosengren to an audience at the Boston Economic Club. “I believe we can wait for greater clarity before adjusting policy.”

Bullard told the Wall Street Journal that while the Fed had “a good level of the policy rate today” and he did not see any reason for rates to go higher while Evans, who was on the record in supporting three rate hikes this year, told reporters that the Fed has “good capacity to wait and carefully take stock of the incoming data and other developments.”

About the author

Phil Hall

Link copied

Published

Jan 09, 2019

Community

How To Win Real Estate Investors, And Keep Them Coming Back

NMP Ignite speakers share strategies for building lasting investor relationships, overcoming financing challenges, and generating repeat business

Real estate investors can be some of the most valuable clients an originator will ever work with. They buy repeatedly, refinance properties, build portfolios, and refer other investors. But earning their loyalty requires a different approach from traditional residential lend...

Analysis and Data

Just 22% Of Homebuyers Are First-Timers As Cash Purchases Rise

NAR finds nearly one-third of repeat buyers pay cash, narrowing the pool of financed purchase transactions for lenders

First-time homebuyers remain largely on the sidelines of the housing market, accounting for just 22% of purchases as older, equity-rich repeat buyers continue to dominate, according to new data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).The first-time buyer share edged ...

Feb

Austin, TX

More from

Regulation and Compliance

West Capital LO Challenges Contractor Status, Required Fees

A former originator alleges unpaid overtime, recurring tech charges, and company restrictions that he says undermine his independent-contractor status

Regulation and Compliance

Nov 06, 2026

CFPB Closes 40% Of Investigations, Keeps Mortgage Enforcement In Focus

The federal watchdog closed thousands of supervisory and investigative matters as it narrowed oversight

Regulation and Compliance

Nov 05, 2026

Midterms Loom With Mortgage Policy Changes Already In Motion

As voters head to the polls Tuesday, Washington is weighing changes to refinancing costs, loan pricing, and lending regulations

Regulation and Compliance

Nov 02, 2026

UAD 3.6 Deadline Is Monday. Are Brokers Ready?

Wholesale lenders have adopted different rules for appraisal transfers, loan product changes, and reporting formats, adding complications for brokers and appraisers ahead of the Nov. 2 mandate

Regulation and Compliance

Oct 27, 2026

Friday Harbor Expands AI Appraisal Reviews As UAD 3.6 Deadline Nears

The new capability adds more than 350 automated checks as lenders prepare for the November 2 mandate

Tech

Oct 27, 2026