Goldman Sachs Chief Economist: Expects Fed to Continue Data-Dependent Approach, Unswayed by Survey Pressure

BlockBeats News, January 12, Goldman Sachs Chief Economist Jan Hatzius said on Monday that the threat of criminal charges against the Federal Reserve Chair would intensify market concerns about the central bank's independence, but he expected the Fed to still make policy decisions based on economic data.

Hatzius said at the 2026 Goldman Sachs Global Strategy Conference: "Clearly, concerns about the Fed's independence being compromised are increasing, and the latest news of a criminal investigation against Chair Powell further reinforces these concerns." He added, "I have no doubt that Powell will continue to make decisions based on economic data during the remainder of his term, without being swayed in any direction by pressure—whether it's towards rate hikes or cuts, he will follow the data guidance." (FXStreet)