Fed Vice Chair Jefferson Reaffirms Commitment to Using All Policy Tools

Jefferson emphasized readiness to act while noting differing member views on the Federal Reserve’s shrinking balance sheet and the decreasing likelihood of hitting the effective lower bound.

Summary

On September 30, Federal Reserve Vice Chair Jefferson confirmed that the federal funds rate remains the primary policy tool and reiterated the Fed's readiness to use all available tools. He noted decreasing likelihood of hitting the effective lower bound and acknowledged differing views on the balance sheet size, which continues to shrink in an orderly manner.

Terms & Concepts
  • Federal Reserve Balance Sheet: The record of the Federal Reserve’s assets and liabilities, which reflects its monetary policy actions and liquidity support.
  • Monetary Policy Tools: Instruments used by the Federal Reserve to influence money supply, interest rates, and overall economic conditions.