Federal Reserve Watch for Aug. 27: Williams Urges Fed Independence, Says Rate Reductions Based on Incoming Data

02:37 PM EDT, 08/27/2025 (MT Newswires) -- New York Fed President John Williams (voter), in an interview with CNBC, highlighted the need for central bank independence to maintain low inflation and economic stability.

Williams said that the economy remains strong and that he expects the Federal Open Market Committee to lower the target for the federal funds rate over time, but did not comment on whether the first rate cut could come at the Sept. 16-17 meeting, instead saying that he is open to a rate reduction when the data allow.

Recent comments of note:

(Aug. 25) President Donald Trump announced that he was removing Fed Governor Lisa Cook over allegations that she falsified mortgage applications in two states, but Cook's attorney said that she intends to pursue legal action to remain in her position.

(Aug. 22) Federal Reserve Governor Jerome Powell (voter) left open the door to a September rate cut in his speech at Jackson Hole, saying that downside risks to the employment mandate have increased, but he also said that the FOMC remains data-dependent and that the impact of the tariffs on inflation may have only begun. Powell acknowledged that a change in the stance of policy may be warranted if the employment picture continues to deteriorate, but said that the 100 basis points of rate reduction over the last year gives the FOMC more time to be certain before acting.

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