Fears of elevated interest rates dampened the mood on Wall Street at the start of this year–but cooling core inflation and dovish comments by Federal Reserve governor Christopher Waller have given investors reason to feel a bit more cheerful this week.

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller speaks during The Clearing House Annual Conference in New York City, U.S. November 12, 2024. Fed Governor Christopher Waller told CNBC on Thursday that the central bank could lower interest rates multiple times this year if inflation eases as he is expecting.

With the Federal Reserve touting a slower pace of easing, markets are expecting a longer pause. But Gov. Christopher Waller said the next interest rate reduction could come as soon as March because of inflation data.

The US Federal Reserve could cut rates three or four times this year if inflation data cooperates, with a first cut possible before July, a senior bank official said Thursday.

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller doubled down on more rate cuts and cooling inflation following higher price projections from the central bank and growing expectations among investors ...

In a Wednesday morning speech, the Federal Reserve Gov. Christopher Waller said President-elect Donald Trump's nascent trade policy will likely lead to a one-time jump in prices rather than broader inflationary pressure.

A top policymaker at the US Federal Reserve says that he still supports reducing interest rates this year, despite elevated inflation and the prospect of widespread tariffs.

By Howard Schneider, Ann Saphir WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Inflation is likely to continue to ease and possibly allow the U.S. central bank to cut interest rates sooner and faster than expected, Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said on Thursday in comments that pushed against recent market moves that anticipate a shallower Fed rate path.