Federal Reserve’s Lisa D. Cook Highlights AI’s Economic Benefits and Stability Risks

Federal Reserve officials say AI could lift productivity and output, while Lisa D. Cook and Austan Goolsbee warn that inflation pressures, supply shocks, and stronger productivity expectations could complicate interest-rate policy.

Summary

Federal Reserve officials have described AI as a potential boost to productivity and economic output while warning that it may also create inflation and financial stability challenges. Lisa D. Cook said AI has transformative potential to raise productivity, but could bring near-term inflation risks and strains for financial stability. Separately, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago President Austan Goolsbee said stronger hype or expectations around future productivity growth could contribute to inflation and may require the United States and other countries to raise interest rates. He also warned that short-term supply shocks, including oil price increases and supply chain disruptions, could intensify those pressures. The remarks, reported on May 28, broaden the Federal Reserve’s discussion of how AI-driven optimism could support growth while complicating monetary policy.

Terms & Concepts
  • Artificial intelligence: Computer systems designed to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence, such as generating content, analyzing data, or automating decisions.
  • Interest rates: The cost of borrowing money, set or influenced by central banks to guide economic activity and inflation.
  • Financial stability: The condition in which the financial system continues functioning smoothly, even during periods of stress, without major disruptions to markets or institutions.