Fed's Yellen leaves door open to rate hikes at next meetings
The head of the US central bank kept the door open to further interest rate increases at one of its next meetings, contrary to the expectations of some market watchers.
"Waiting too long to remove accommodation would be unwise," Janet Yellen said in prepared remarks for a speech before the US Senate Banking Committee.
"At our upcoming meetings, the committee will evaluate whether employment and inflation are continuing to evolve in line with these expectations, in which case a further adjustment of the federal funds rate would likely be appropriate," she said.
In her speech the Fed chief also emphasised how changes in fiscal or economic policies might potentially affect the economic outlook.
"Changes in fiscal policy or other economic policies could potentially affect the economic outlook," she added.
"It is too early to know what policy changes will be put in place or how their economic effects will unfold."
As of 1539 GMT the yield on the benchmark 10-year US Treasury note was up by six points at 2.49%.