Fed split hardens following Powell’s December warning

FEDERAL RESERVE CHAIR Jerome Powell’s blunt warning that investors need to rein in expectations for a December interest-rate cut underscored a growing tug-of-war among US policymakers who are opposed in their outlooks for jobs and inflation.

- ENDA CURRAN

While Powell made it clear that the primary concern for some is a cooling job market, others inside the Fed are warning persistent inflation will limit room for more easing. Anda freeze on the release of official economic data during the ongoing government shutdown is only hardening the divide.