PANews reported on January 10 that according to Jinshi, as the Federal Reserve entered the new year, it faced a strong economy and inflation that was still above the 2% target. Kansas Fed President Schmid hinted on Thursday that he was reluctant to cut interest rates again. Schmid said in a speech to the Kansas City Economic Club, "We are very close to achieving the dual goals of price stability and full employment," and "as inflation approaches the target and economic growth shows continued momentum, I believe we are close to the critical point where the economy needs neither restriction nor support, and policy should be neutral." In the current environment, "interest rates are likely to be very close to long-term levels," Schmid said. He said: "I am in favor of gradually adjusting policy and will only respond if the tone of the data continues to change." He also said, "The strength of the economy gives us patience." In addition, Schmid said that the Fed is expected to achieve its 2% inflation target by 2026.