Fed's Waller says March rate cut now uncertain after strong Jan jobs report.

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said the decision on a March interest rate cut is now uncertain, calling it a "coin flip," after a strong January jobs report added more than 130,000 jobs. He stressed that while the data suggests a potential labor market rebound after a weak 2025, he needs to see consistent improvement in February to confirm a trend. Waller emphasized that rate decisions will depend on ongoing labor market and inflation data, with a hold likely if strength continues, but a cut possible if momentum fades. He downplayed the impact of recent tariff rulings and noted the economy’s unusual mix of solid growth and weak job creation, possibly due to productivity gains.