Sure thing, let’s go on a bit of a journey here. Picture this: John Williams, not the “Star Wars” guy, but the head honcho at the New York Fed — he’s got a pulse on everything from inflation to my favorite local taco joint’s price hike. Seriously, is it just me, or are tacos getting expensive?
So, Williams spills some beans. Inflation and unemployment — y’know, the usual suspects — are creeping up. And what’s slower than me deciding whether I want coffee or a nap? The economy, apparently. Swell.
He’s got this weighty role, right? Permanent voting member of the FOM-whatever-it’s-called. It means he can tilt Fed decisions. He’s like the guy deciding if there’s dessert, and we’re just here hoping it’s chocolate cake.
## Highlights That Probably Woke Me Up
So he says, “Let’s stick to the plan.” Apparently, this plan means the economy’s cruising. Firms are slyly upping prices ‘cause of tariffs. I mean, take a gander at GDP expecting to barely inch forward — like, 1%. Not a typo.
Confused times though, with inflation and immigration going unpredictably bonkers. There are whispers inflation’s poking at us — like that odd uncle at family gatherings. Ah, the monetary policy, slightly tight, but giving room — maybe like wearing jeans after a feast?
But hey, the job market’s hanging tight, while tariffs, mystery, and immigration are like gremlins nudging the economy towards a sluggish pace. He paints unemployment hitting around 4.5%, which is like saying “the water’s cold” when you’ve fallen into a lake.
And those tariffs? They’re nudging inflation up to 3%, but don’t panic — he sees things mellowing out to 2% over two years. Long game plan, huh?
He points out some data squirrels — soft ones are weak, but the hard ones are resilient. Does anyone else think of data that feels like old oatmeal versus a jawbreaker? Just me?
Anyway, yeah, slower economic growth is on the docket. But jobs? Still as sturdy as that dodgy chair you refuse to replace. Tariffs? Sneakily adding a smidge to inflation, but what do I know, I’m just here wondering if the next thing to inflate is popcorn at the movies.
Alright, that might be the gist — or maybe I just meandered through it. Who’s counting?
