Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Susan Collins said Friday that February’s PCE price index, which showed core prices rising 2.5% annually, did not change her view that monetary policy remains restrictive. She said officials need “more confidence” that inflation is moving sustainably toward the Federal Reserve’s 2% target before cutting rates. Collins cited uneven but generally downward inflation progress, cooler labor-market conditions and easing wage pressures, while declining to offer a timeline and emphasizing a data-dependent approach. Her comments come as investors have pushed expectations for multiple 2025 rate cuts later into the year after stronger inflation and resilient economic activity. Restrictive policy could keep mortgages, auto loans, corporate credit and other borrowing costs high, weighing on housing, investment and discretionary spending. Collins is not a voting member of the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) this year, but regional bank presidents participate in discussions and can influence market expectations. The Fed’s next meeting is scheduled for late April, when officials will update economic projections and rate decisions.