Fed Collins: It will be appropriate to start easing "soon"

Susan Collins, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, said it would soon be appropriate to start cutting interest rates to help maintain a still-healthy labour market. Ms Collins said officials should start easing policy gradually, stressing that she did not see any "significant red flags" in the economy. The Boston Fed president also said her focus was on "maintaining a healthy labour market while continuing to reduce inflation". "Against this backdrop, I do think it will be appropriate to start easing policy soon," Ms Collins said. Recent data showed the economy remained broadly in good shape, with inflation having fallen significantly, adding to confidence that price growth was moving towards the Fed's 2 per cent target, Ms Collins said.