of the economy 

improving and advocates gradual rate increases

An official from the Federal Reserve at the top

downplayed recent indications that the economy is improving, but he also stated that he was ready to maintain raising interest rates in more gradual increments as often as necessary to combat inflation.

2-An official from the Federal Reserve at the top downplayed recent indications that the economy is improving, but he also stated that he was ready to maintain raising interest rates in more gradual increments as often as necessary to combat inflation

3-Thomas Barkin, the president of the Richmond Federal Reserve, stated on Friday that recent data showing an unusually strong job gain and an increase in retail sales last month reflected, in part, the effects of warm weather and the government's seasonal adjustment process, rather than an acceleration of growth that could drive inflation higher.

4-In a roundtable discussion with journalists, Barkin stated, "I'm not getting as much signal from the data that we've received recently. But he continued, "If you start to see that over numerous months, that might change." The 19-member Fed group that decides on interest rates includes Barkin.

5-Numerous Wall Street experts predict that the Federal Reserve will increase interest rates again this year as a result of the positive retail sales and jobs statistics, as well as the hotter-than-expected inflation figures. These hikes will undoubtedly result in higher borrowing prices for business loans, credit cards, mortgages, and vehicle loans.

6-Bank of America and Goldman Sachs economists both predict that the Fed will raise interest rates to a range of 5.25% to 5.5%, a quarter point more than the Fed had anticipated at its December meeting. At 4.5% to 4.75% right now, it's the highest rate in 15 years.