Richmond Fed Barkin
  • Would like to see Fed funds back to 1.50-1.75%, where it was before the pandemic, then assess if it should be moved to a 'clearly restrictive' level
  • Quest for right now is to get policy 'in a better position' should high inflation persist
  • Pandemic still making it hard to anticipate improvements in labor market supply chains and the path of inflation
  • Ultimate level and pace of rate hikes remains uncertain, though he sees no need to 'restrain' the economy now

Barkin isn't a voter but he's a good barometer for the core of the Fed.