On November 30th, two Federal Reserve officials provided reasons on Wednesday to continue maintaining interest rates unchanged, while another warned that the risk of persistently high inflation should keep the option of further rate hikes on the table.

Cleveland Fed President Mester, who has been calling for rate hikes all year, said that monetary policy is in a good place, implying that she supports standing pat again at the meeting next month.

Atlanta Fed President Bostic said he is increasingly convinced that the downward trajectory of inflation may persist, while Richmond Fed President Barkin said the option of rate hikes should be retained to guard against stubborn inflation.

Bostic and Barkin have different views on the outlook for inflation. Barkin pointed out that persistent price pressures in housing and the service sector are reasons to remain cautious. (Jin10)