Bank of England policymaker Catherine Mann argued that the central bank should maintain interest rates at their current level until the upside risks to inflation, including those stemming from the election of Donald Trump as the next US president, subside.
Key Quotes
I expect elevated volatility in macroeconomic variables over the coming years.
Activist policy means holding the bank rate firmly until sufficient evidence of diminished inflation persistence appears, then can move forcefully.
I see a need for an activist policy approach rather than a gradualist one.
U.S. political developments have not made a disorderly trade scenario less likely, with consequences for the UK.
Asked about the U.S. election, she says we are looking at more volatility and an upward bias to inflation from trade and financial market fragmentation.
Central banks must ensure these inflation pressures do not get embedded.
I do not think high interest rates are bad for high productivity.
High term premia in bond yields due to high inflation are more damaging to investment than central bank rate.