Comments from Federal Reserve's Bullard

  • Federal Reserve faces challenge in explaining likely slowdown of US jobs growth as natural at this point in the recovery
  • Says job growth of 100,000 to 125,000 adequate for economy, but could be misread as an economic slowdown after months of high jobs growth
  • Says guidance about a possible December rate hike was needed in recent Fed statement to "reel" back investors who doubted central bank's plans
  • Says liftoff of rates to be followed by "healthy debate" over how to decide on subsequent increases after so many years at zero
  • Says cumulative progress of economy justifies move from zero rate policy

St. Louis Federal Reserve President James Bullard speaking in interview with Reuters

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