San Francisco Federal Reserve chief John Williams, speaking with reporters:

  • Case can be made for March rate hike, as can a case for postponing a rate hike
  • Personally sees no need to delay rate hike
  • Raising rates sooner leaves room for more rate hikes this year if needed
  • Still is comfortable with three rate hikes this year
  • Sees upside risks to growth; tax cuts could boost demand modestly

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Williams spoke earlier, along with other Fed officials:

  • More from Fed's Dudley: 'Good' fiscal policy to share more on stimulus burden
  • Fed's Williams on the USD: Value determined by markets, a key input to outlook
  • Fed hike odds jump on Dudley comments. USD/JPY setting up for a big gain
  • USD/JPY liking the hawkish Fed remarks
  • The Fed is on a communications offensive
  • Fed's Dudley: Case for rate rise is more compelling
  • More from Fed's Williams: Right now interest rates are abnormally low,
  • Fed's Williams: Rate increase up for 'serious consideration' in March
  • Fed's Harker: Repeats that 3 hikes appropriate this year