Trump Ally Says Fed Should Hold Rates Steady

Summary

Stephen Moore argues the Fed should hold rates steady because inflation near 3.5% remains too high, even as President Trump calls for cuts. He says the US economy and stock market remain strong, but consumer confidence is weak. Moore also warns that elevated oil prices are the key economic risk and that the US-Canada trade fight is poorly timed.

• Moore sees inflation around 3.5% as too high for Fed rate cuts.
• He would hold policy steady and says the real debate is whether rates should rise.
• He calls the US economy and US stock market the best in the world.
• He identifies oil around $80 as a problem and $65-70 as a more helpful level.
• He says Venezuela supply gains could help oil prices over one to two years.
• He views the US-Canada trade fight as badly timed despite some legitimate tariff complaints.
• Consumer anger over high prices is a political risk for Republicans before the midterms.