FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUGUST 2, 2019                                          

CONTACT: Bill Medley

“I dissented with the decision to lower the target range for the federal funds rate. In my view, incoming economic data and the outlook for economic activity over the medium term warranted no change in the policy rate.


The moderation of economic growth in 2019 is in line with my outlook that calls for a gradual decline to a trend level over the medium term. With moderate growth, record low unemployment, and a benign inflation outlook, maintaining the Committee’s policy settings at 2.25-2.5 percent would have been appropriate, in my view.

There are certainly risks to the outlook as the economy faces the crosscurrents emanating from trade policy uncertainty and weaker global activity. Should incoming data point to a weakening economy, I would be prepared to adjust policy consistent with the Federal Reserve’s mandates for maximum sustainable employment and stable prices.”