So inflationary risks from the UK side and people in the US have concerns too, which side has the strongest fundys to move cable which direction? That's what makes it go up down sideways, up down sideways, so we can always make money guys this is great!
4. Fed's Fisher: Inflation Biggest Risk
A top Federal Reserve official expressed concern Monday about the ongoing risks of inflation, even as he remained confident that price pressures will likely cool over time.
"As I sit at the (Federal Open Market Committee) table, I continue to fret more about inflation than I do about growth," Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas President Richard Fisher said in comments prepared for delivery before a group in Monterrey, Mexico. Despite all the factors that could slow growth "the 'balance of risk,' in my book, is still tilted to the inflation side of the equation," Fisher said.
The official said "the most reliable indicators of inflationary pressure are not yet comforting" and "inflation remains elevated." As such, the current environment "leaves us small choice but to remain vigilant," Fisher said.
Fisher isn't currently a voting member of the interest rate setting Federal Open Market Committee. The group met last week to deliberate on monetary policy and decided to hold rates steady for a second straight gathering, citing moderating economic growth and an expectation elevated inflation trends will cool.
The bank president said he agrees with the FOMC outlook, and noted "the recent tempering of U.S. economic growth to a more sustainable rate" joined with the lagged impact of past Fed rate hikes "should act to to lower the inflation rate over time." He added "if this proves not to be the case, appropriate action will have to be taken."
Fisher warned that if current inflation rates were to be sustained "it would seriously debauch the dollar," and "I don't know a soul on the FOMC who would accept that kind of erosion in the purchasing power of our currency."
Although a good deal of Fisher's speech was fixed on the inflation environment, the central banker was generally upbeat about the economy's current state of affairs, and he said good overseas growth would aid the nation.
Fisher also said "we have a serious correction taking place in the housing sector" with "not insignificant consequences for the economy." Spurred by cheap financing -- he cites a "spigot of liquidity" -- the sector got too far ahead of itself and "the market for residential real estate had to adjust, and it is now doing so." He deemed the situation "hardly unique."
Still, "we are fortunate that the rest of the economy is healthy and robust," Fisher said. He pointed to still ample liquidity in the financial sector, solid corporate balance sheets and good rates of investment. Also, "consumers are getting a shot in the arm from lower gasoline and natural gas prices," Fisher said.
The official also pointed to some signs of tightness in labor markets, saying some of his business contacts now see difficulties in finding different types of specialized labor. "Companies are now voicing the kinds of complaints about labor shortages most often heard in a full employment economy," Fisher said.
Fisher's speech, which was delivered in Spanish, also spent some time on the rising interdependency of the U.S. and Mexican economies, which is largely the result of increased trade. He said the Mexican economy is enjoying greater price stability amid an excellent business environment.
Citing a turbulent political climate of late, Fisher said "Mexico's financial markets have proven remarkably resilient" during this period. But Fisher also offered that Mexico could still do much to improve its education system and to reduce corruption.