Fed’s Collins: To cut rates again, need to see clear evidence inflation ebbing || Fed’s Collins: Sees no urgent need to change monetary policy stance

Fed’s Collins: To cut rates again, need to see clear evidence inflation ebbing || Fed’s Collins: Sees no urgent need to change monetary policy stance

Federal Reserve officials Susan Collins and Thomas Barkin emphasized on February 24 that there is no immediate need to adjust monetary policy, despite market expectations of potential rate cuts in 2026. Collins, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, stated that maintaining the current interest rate range—3.5% to 3.75%—“for some time” remains appropriate, though she acknowledged the possibility of alternative scenarios requiring a “patient, deliberate approach” to decision-making according to Reuters. Barkin, of the Richmond Fed, added that current policy is “well positioned” to address economic uncertainties, including risks from a labor market characterized by low hiring and firing activity according to Reuters.

Both officials highlighted the need for further evidence that inflation, which has consistently exceeded the Fed’s 2% target, will continue to moderate. Collins noted that “more confidence” in easing inflationary pressures would be required to justify additional rate reductions, though she suggested inflation could cool later this year according to Reuters. Recent developments, such as the Supreme Court’s invalidation of former President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs and subsequent retaliatory measures, were deemed unlikely to significantly impact the broader economy according to Reuters.

The Fed has maintained its target rate since the January 2026 Federal Open Market Committee meeting, following a 75-basis-point reduction in late 2025 according to Reuters. Collins described the current policy stance as “mildly restrictive” or “close to neutral,” reflecting the central bank’s cautious balancing act between supporting growth and curbing inflation according to Reuters.

Reuters, February 24, 2026.
Wall Street Journal, February 2026.