Warsh raises stakes for Fed's next meeting and other takeaways from Jackson Hole conference

Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh used a speech at the annual Jackson Hole economic conference in Jackson Hole to reinforce his stance in the fight against inflation, opening the door to potential rate hikes in the coming months. Speaking Friday, Warsh indicated the Fed could raise its benchmark rate when it meets in mid-September if inflation doesn’t improve. The next government price report, due days before the meeting, may be pivotal. Economists generally praised his remarks, though some criticism appeared on the conference’s first day. Warsh avoided committing to a specific timing, but analysts said his comments suggest a September move remains plausible, especially since he said underlying inflation hasn’t “meaningfully improved.”