Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said Tuesday the central bank needs to follow through on expectations for additional interest rate hikes or risk its credibility, even suggesting that a larger-than-usual half-percentage-point increase could be warranted in December.
Speaking in London, the policymaker said he "is leaning toward" a rate increase in December even if the October inflation data comes in softer than expected — and would support "more robust action" if readings come in higher than forecast.
"In that case, I believe a 50 basis point hike in the policy rate should be considered at the December meeting," he said. "Hiking only 25 basis points would put our credibility at risk, a risk I am not eager to take."
Waller said Fed communications prior to and at the October meeting led markets already to price in additional rate hikes.
Following through, Waller added, is what's important, even if the hikes come intermittently.