Fed's Cook Says She's Ready to Back a Rate Hike to Fight Inflation

Cook's comments come amid growing concern about sticky inflation in the US economy. She stressed that despite the majority's decision to hold rates steady, she would be ready to shift her stance and support a hike if price pressures fail to ease. The 9-3 vote at the last meeting revealed a lack of full consensus among Fed leadership on the path ahead. For investors, this signals that the policy easing cycle may not be as straightforward as previously expected. Markets will be watching upcoming inflation data closely to gauge which camp within the committee ultimately shapes the Fed's next move.