More from Richard Fed Pres. Barkin:

  • Businesses at this time appear reluctant to lay off workers they have been struggled to higher
  • Uncertain how much Fed will have to lower demand to reach its inflation goal
  • Hard decision for Fed is sorting out what level is sufficient to stop
  • Will need positive real interest rates to restrain demand, just beginning to reach that level
  • not shocking the dollar has been strong given relative strength of US economy vs. other nations

Companies know the demographics of workers makes them valuable assets. Companies may not fire workers, but the demand for workers (like housing) is being impacted.

The aging of the baby boomers and acceleration from Covid is kicking in. There is a shortage. However, a number companies are not in the bidding war anymore for labor. Moreover, companies over hired, will be looking to pare where it can.