Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook said she is 'prepared to act' on interest rates to address inflation, following last week's decision to keep the central bank's benchmark rate unchanged, CNBC reported.
Key facts
- Fed Governor Lisa Cook said she is 'prepared to act' on a rate hike to address inflation, according to CNBC.
- Cook was part of a 9-3 majority that voted last week to keep the benchmark rate unchanged.
- The benchmark borrowing rate remains in a range between 3.5% and 3.75%.
- The comments were reported by CNBC on 5 August 2026.
Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook has said she is ‘prepared to act’ on interest rates in order to address inflation, according to CNBC. Her remarks come days after the central bank’s latest policy decision to leave borrowing costs unchanged.
Cook was part of a 9-3 majority that voted last week to keep the Federal Reserve’s benchmark borrowing rate in a range between 3.5% and 3.75%, CNBC reported.
The 9-3 vote means three members of the committee did not support the majority decision, though the sources do not detail their reasoning or preferred course.
It is not yet clear from the available reporting what specific conditions would prompt Cook or other officials to move on rates, or when the next policy decision is due.
Why it matters
The Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions affect the cost of borrowing for households and businesses across the United States. Public remarks from Fed officials such as Cook offer indications of how policymakers are weighing inflation, which markets watch closely.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Fed's current benchmark interest rate?
According to CNBC, the Federal Reserve's benchmark borrowing rate is in a range between 3.5% and 3.75%.
How did the Fed vote at its latest meeting?
The vote was 9-3 in favor of keeping the benchmark rate unchanged, with Cook part of the majority, CNBC reported.
What did Governor Cook say about future rate moves?
Cook said she is 'prepared to act' on a rate hike to address inflation, according to CNBC.