U.S. Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook said Wednesday she stands ready to take steps if inflation does not soon begin to ease, though she is willing to allow a short additional period for observation. She described it as prudent to monitor developments further but warned that risks remain heavily tilted toward higher inflation, citing the artificial intelligence investment surge, tariff pressures, and the U.S. conflict with Iran. Cook stressed her full commitment to achieving the 2 percent inflation goal. She noted a clear change in the balance of risks compared with a year earlier, when employment concerns were more prominent. Other Fed officials have also discussed the possibility of a rate increase as soon as this fall unless clearer signs of slower inflation emerge. The central bank’s next policy meeting is set for July 28-29.
