Fed Governor Waller backs December rate cut as support for weakening labor market

by | Nov 17, 2025 | Financial

Christopher Waller, governor of the US Federal Reserve, speaks during the C. Peter McColough Series on International Economics at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, US, on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. Michael Nagle | Bloomberg | Getty ImagesFederal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller on Monday voiced support for another interest rate cut at the central bank’s December meeting, saying he’s grown concerned over the labor market and the sharp slowdown in hiring.In an increasingly divided Fed, Waller’s comments put him squarely in the camp of those looking to ease monetary policy to head off further danger in the jobs picture. Others, including multiple regional presidents, have expressed opposition in recent days to more cuts as they view inflation as a persistent economic threat that could be reignited by additional easing.”I am not worried about inflation accelerating or inflation expectations rising significantly,” Waller said in prepared remarks delivered to a group of economists in London. “My focus is on the labor market, and after months of weakening, it is unlikely that the September jobs report later this week or any other data in the next few weeks would change my view that another cut is in order.”The rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee next meets Dec. 9-10. Markets are divided over which way the panel will swing following consecutive quarter percentage point, or 25 basis point, cuts at meetings in September and October.Earlier Monday, Vice Chair Philip Jefferson was noncommittal on the upcoming meeting, saying only that the current economic climate calls for policymakers to “proceed slowly” as it contemplates further cuts. Boston Fed President Susan Collins said Wednesday that she sees a “high bar” for more easing.Waller specified t …

Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source