Collins: Further tightening appropriate before long... timing and size of hike undecided

Boston Fed President Susan Collins said on November 13 that additional monetary tightening will likely be appropriate "before too long," citing signs that price pressures have broadened in recent inflation data. In a Bloomberg TV interview, Collins said the rate path may need to be somewhat more restrictive than she expected two months ago, noting the labor market remains firmer than before and the economy has weathered shocks and uncertainty. She reiterated the case for tightening to restore price stability in opening remarks at the Boston Fed's 70th economic conference the same day. The comments followed the Bureau of Labor Statistics' November 10 report that October CPI rose 0.4% month over month. Investors should watch upcoming inflation and labor data for signals on the timing and size of any further rate increase, which Collins left open.