Perspectives on the U. S. Economy: Assessing the Economy as a New Year Begins

NAIOP Massachusetts hosted Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President & CEO Susan M. Collins for a conversation about monetary policy and the U.S. economy. Susan Collins' comments focused on the economy and monetary policy. As we begin this new year, the economy is in a good place overall. However, economic uncertainty is high, and additional information – about developments in inflation and the labor market, about possible fiscal and trade policy changes, and more – will be key to determining the appropriate course for monetary policy in the year ahead. In her remarks, Susan Collins said she would like to do four things. She started with describing what she means when she says the economy “is in a good place” and referred to current conditions as well as her outlook. That led her to a brief discussion of elevated uncertainty, and the implications for monetary policy. She ended by offering a few reflections from 2024 that are influencing her thinking about the economy and policy for 2025. Then she looked forward to taking some questions in the discussion.