The Fed Embraces Preemptive Action
“The time to support the labor market is when it’s strong, and not when you begin to see layoffs.”
“The time to support the labor market is when it’s strong, and not when you begin to see layoffs.”
We will be hoping for two things at the September meeting this week: a 50 bps cut and minimal upwards revisions to the unemployment rate projections in the Summary of Economic Projections (SEP).
When it comes to the Fed policy today, the question of whether or not these rules are good at telling us if we’re currently in a recession is almost besides the point.
Fire prevention—rather than fire fighting—is a better approach to risk management when it comes to the labor market. When it comes to unemployment risk, the Fed should be proactive and preemptive, not reactive.
With all of the softening in the labor market, it’s time for the Fed to actively discuss starting the process of rate normalization.