What's the mood among companies and consumers given pessimistic surveys?
Michael McKee
Raphael Bostic
Cautious optimism with emphasis on cautious. Businesses and households have shown resilience to uncertainty but are waiting to see what happens.
What does this mean for the economy?
Michael McKee
Raphael Bostic
Economic patterns from second half of 2025 will continue through 2026, with potential upside if consumers feel more certainty.
Does bad employment news give you pause about Fed pausing?
Michael McKee
Raphael Bostic
No pause - inflation has been too high for too long, at a plateau well above target for two years, which is unacceptable.
Raphael Bostic
We need to keep policy restrictive to get inflation back to 2% - high prices have families on edge.
Has Fed lost confidence of American people?
Michael McKee
Raphael Bostic
Not in my district - people are grateful, understand it's a hard job, want us to be data-dependent.
What about Kevin Warsh's call for regime change and criticism of mission creep?
Michael McKee
Raphael Bostic
No idea what regime change means. Don't see mission creep - asking prudent questions about risks is appropriate.