Fed's Christopher Waller leans toward a 25bp December hike, open to 50bp if inflation is hot
On November 10, 2026 Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said he is "leaning toward" supporting a 25 basis-point policy-rate increase at the Fed's December meeting and said a 50 basis-point move should be considered if incoming inflation data is hotter than expected.
The desk brief
On November 10, 2026 Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said he is "leaning toward" supporting a 25 basis-point policy-rate increase at the Fed's December meeting and said a 50 basis-point move should be considered if incoming inflation data is hotter than expected.
Waller's stated preference for tighter US policy increases the likelihood of higher US Treasury yields and could put upward pressure on USD funding costs for emerging-market sovereigns. If implemented, a December hike (or a larger 50bp move) would conditionally raise borrowing costs for South Africa's USD-denominated sovereign curve and other African USD issuers, depending on market pricing and risk sentiment.
FOMC monetary policy decision at the December 2026 meeting (market pricing ahead of the release).
Sources & verification
Developing storyDeveloping story supported by 2 independent public publishers; further confirmation is being sought.
- Fed Governor Waller sees December hike likely, opens door to possible half-point increasecnbc.comSource published (opens in a new tab)
- Fed’s Waller leans towards 25bp hike next month, says would consider 50 bp if inflation is hot for Octoberyahoo.comSource published (opens in a new tab)
Public references supporting this brief.