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Kevin Warsh faces an economic ‘perfect storm’ as he waits to take over as Fed chair
Kevin Warsh could face a buzzsaw when he takes over as Federal Reserve chair — a Hobson’s choice between fighting inflation and protecting the labor market. The Fed is duty-bound to support both sides of its sometimes conflicting dual mandate: stable prices and full employment. There essentially are three ways to do that: raise interest rates to fight inflation by dampening demand, lower rates to support economic growth and hiring, or — most preferably — keep rates where they are to maintain a balance between the two. Brewing economic conditions suggest, however, that when Warsh takes office, presumably in ... (full story)