FOMC members stress on upside risks to U.S. interest rates

The U.S. Fed speakers have delivered a hawkish speech overall, with two out of the four incoming voting members this year (Harker and Evans) suggesting that three quarter-point hikes in rates over the course of 2017 was plausible. Fed Chair Yellen also spoke, although her comments were a little more balanced.

Chicago Fed President Charles L. Evans said that the U.S. economy could experience a burst of 4 percent growth for a year, though did not see this as something that could likely be sustained, adding that it is not possible to just birth a large cohort of 25-year-olds (highlighting the impact of an ageing population). Evans added that he saw current Fed expectations for 75 basis points of tightening as plausible.

Additionally, Philadelphia Fed President Patrick T. Harker (a voter in 2017) said that the labour market is strong and the US economy is creating jobs at a good pace, noting that inflation is moving back up to our 2 percent goal and growth is solid. Harker added that he sees three modest rate hikes as appropriate for 2017, assuming the economy stays on track.

Lastly, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen in her Q&A session said that the U.S. economy is in a recovery phase, with the labour market getting gradually stronger. She said that inflation is also improving, with the 2 percent target not too far.