Fed Chair Waller: Forward Guidance Effective in Crisis, Needs Review in Calm Times

On July 30, Federal Reserve Chair Waller said at a press conference that during special periods such as financial crises (e.g., 2008-2009), providing more forward guidance on monetary policy may be prudent; however, in relatively calm economic environments, such policy tools are worth re-examining. He added, 'However, markets, market participants, and journalists have learned to fully exploit and interpret all this information. Therefore, I believe that reducing reliance on forward guidance will require a transition process.' Waller also stated that when central bank officials see the labor market remaining stable while underlying inflationary pressures rise, they naturally tend to tighten monetary policy.