World Economy

Fed's Waller Opens Door to Larger December Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Mount

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller signaled openness to a half-percentage-point interest rate increase in December, citing stronger-than-expected inflation readings. Waller said he is leaning toward a rate move next month, with the size of the hike contingent on upcoming price data. His comments intensified debate among global central bankers about the appropriate policy response to persistent inflation. The European Central Bank's Joachim Nagel called a December rate increase "rather obvious," while Polish Monetary Policy Council member Gabriela Maslowska pointed to inflation forecasts supporting a January hike. Hungarian inflation accelerated for a third consecutive month, though it remains below the central bank's revised target. Central banks across major economies are signaling continued tightening ahead.