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Waller's Stance Shifts: Strong February Jobs Data Could Trigger March Rate Pause

Story Thread|Fed's Inflation Battle Amid Global Risks Persists

Araverus Team|Monday, February 23, 2026 at 1:11 PM

Araverus Team

Feb 23, 2026 · 1:11 PM

Fed · Interest Rates · Labor Market · Monetary Policy

Fed Interest Rates Labor Market Monetary Policy

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller stated he is open to pausing interest rate hikes at the upcoming March meeting, contingent on February employment data indicating continued labor market strength.

Following January's unexpectedly robust job growth of 130,000 positions, Waller indicated that similar positive results in February would sway his decision towards a pause. He had previously dissented at the January meeting, favoring a rate cut due to concerns about weak job growth.

Waller attributed current inflation pressures mainly to tariffs, expecting them to ease. He considers underlying inflation to be near the Fed's 2% target, allowing focus on employment.

Despite acknowledging past weak job creation in 2025, he projects first-quarter GDP growth of around 2%, supported by consumer spending and industrial activity.

Thread Timeline: Fed's Inflation Battle Amid Global Risks Persists

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Waller Weighs Supporting Fed Rate Pause if Labor Data Stabilizewsj.com

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Statement by Governor Christopher J. Waller - Federal Reserve Board (.gov)federalreserve.gov

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Thread Timeline: Fed's Inflation Battle Amid Global Risks Persists

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