Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Inflation Report Could Determine September Federal Reserve Rate Hike
A Federal Reserve official is waiting for new inflation information before deciding about interest rates.
The government will publish August inflation numbers on September 11.
If prices are rising more slowly, Christopher Waller may support leaving interest rates where they are.
If prices are rising quickly, he may support raising rates.
Higher interest rates make borrowing money more expensive.
Waller said current borrowing costs are only slightly slowing consumers and businesses.
He also said even a small increase in inflation could change his view.
The inflation report will therefore be important for the Federal Reserve’s decision later this month.
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said next week’s inflation report will largely determine his view on a rate hike later this month.
The government will release August inflation figures on September 11.
Waller said cooling inflation would support keeping the benchmark interest rate unchanged.
He said unexpectedly high inflation could lead him to support a rate hike.
Waller said borrowing costs are only slightly restricting consumer and business demand.
- Who
- Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller and Federal Reserve policymakers.
- What
- An upcoming inflation report could influence whether the Federal Reserve raises its benchmark interest rate later this month.
- When
- The August inflation figures will be released on September 11; the possible rate decision is expected later this month.
- Where
- United States.
- Why
- Waller said the decision depends largely on whether inflation continues to cool or instead comes in higher than expected.
Keep Rates Unchanged
Raise Interest Rates
How inflation data could shape policy
Keep Rates Unchanged
If the August inflation report shows inflation continues to cool, Waller said he would be willing to keep the Federal Reserve’s benchmark interest rate unchanged.
Raise Interest Rates
If inflation comes in hot, Waller said he would consider supporting a rate hike, adding that even a modest acceleration could change his view.
- Key official
- Christopher Waller, governor of the Federal Reserve
- Data release
- August inflation figures
- Release date
- September 11
- Possible policy action
- A Federal Reserve benchmark interest-rate hike later this month
- Case for holding rates
- Inflation continuing to cool
- Case for raising rates
- Inflation coming in hot
- Demand impact
- Borrowing costs are only slightly restricting consumer and business demand