Fed's Barr Sees Need for Higher Rates If Inflation Doesn't Cool

Fed's Barr Sees Need for Higher Rates If Inflation Doesn't Cool

Tue, September 1, 2026 at 6:12 PM GMT+3

Federal Reserve Governor Michael Barr said the central bank can afford to be patient if upcoming data provide some signal that inflation is cooling but should be prepared to raise interest rates if inflation fails to subside. "If inflation appears not to be moderating sufficiently, then I think we should act decisively to raise rates," Barr said, warning that price pressures are at risk of becoming entrenched after being above target for more than five years. He spoke Tuesday at an event in Washington.