Paul Christopher, head of global investment strategy at Wells Fargo Investment Institute, expects the Fed to hold rates steady, saying June's moderation in inflation gives policymakers cover to extend the pause and wait for more data. Luis Alvarado,

2026-07-29

Paul Christopher, head of global investment strategy at Wells Fargo Investment Institute, expects the Fed to hold rates steady, saying June's moderation in inflation gives policymakers cover to extend the pause and wait for more data. Luis Alvarado, co-head of global fixed income strategy, said Waller has made clear restoring inflation to 2% remains the Fed's top priority and that policymakers have near-zero tolerance for a rebound; Alvarado added Waller appears to believe the Fed can deliver. He warned the main market impact will be in communication—particularly forward guidance—so investors should expect greater policy flexibility and larger market moves between meetings, with the ability to act flexibly on incoming data remaining critical for Waller.