Fed's Barkin Cites Straightforward Policy Direction as Question Shifts to Pace

Richmond Federal Reserve President Tom Barkin signaled that the trajectory for U.S. monetary policy is straightforward, leaving the pace of rate adjustments as the central bank's primary question. Speaking on SiriusXM, Barkin pointed to persistent inflation, strong consumer demand, and surging investments in artificial intelligence that continue to stoke price pressures. His remarks carry a slightly hawkish tone following the Fed's decision to hold rates steady at its late October meeting. Investors broadly anticipate policymakers could approve a 25-basis-point interest rate increase at the December 8-9 meeting depending on incoming data.