Federal Reserve Watch for Feb. 23: Waller Said He Could Support Rate Pause in March if February Employment Data Shows Stability

02:30 PM EST, 02/23/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Fed Governor Christopher Waller (voter) said that he could support a further rate pause at the March FOMC meeting if the February employment report confirms that the labor market stability remains but would advocate for a further rate reduction if that report shows that weakness has resumed.

Recent comments of note:

(Feb. 20) St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem said monetary policy is "well positioned" and that the impact of the Supreme Court ruling on the Trump Administration's tariffs should be minimal if the tariffs are replaced by similar-sized duties.

(Feb. 20) Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan (voter) said that she "cautiously optimistic" that inflation will slow and said that monetary policy is positioned to handle any economic outcomes.

(Feb. 19) San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly said that the current stance of monetary policy is in "a good place" to wait and see how the economy evolves before taking additional steps to lower interest rates.

(Feb. 19) Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari (voter) said that the current stance of policy is near neutral, suggesting no need for further rate reductions with inflation still elevate and the labor market slowing but not substantially weakened.

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