Fed's Lockhart refrains from comments on timing of next rate hike
A top US rate-setter avoided making any remarks on the possible exact timing of the next interest rate hike by the country's central bank.
Atlanta Fed president Dennnis Lockhart reportedly told reporters he would not comment on the probable likely actions by rate-setters when they next met in September, November and December.
“Financial markets seem to be very sensitive to remarks of Fed speakers at the moment,” he was cited as having said.
In prepared remarks for a speech to the National Association for Business Economics, Lockhart said economic data released over the past few weeks, "warrant...serious discussion of a policy rate increase”.
As of 1330 BST the S&P 500 mini futures contract was 3.75 points lower at 2,122.25, having earlier hit a session low of 2,100.25.