Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller warns that if upcoming inflation data remain elevated, the central bank could consider tightening monetary policy. In remarks reported by Financial Times and Quartz, Waller points to the possibility that a “hot” inflation reading—particularly for core measures—could justify additional action. He also cautions against overreacting to single data points, suggesting that the Fed should respond to broader patterns in inflation rather than treating one report as decisive on its own. The comments come ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee’s late-July meeting, where policymakers will weigh whether to adjust the federal funds rate further. Both outlets describe Waller’s view that an elevated reading this week could raise the likelihood of the FOMC contemplating a rate increase, while his additional message emphasizes measured decision-making. Overall, the reporting frames Waller’s statements as a conditional warning: the Fed’s next steps depend on whether inflation remains stubborn, especially in core categories, and on how policymakers assess the evidence in the run-up to their scheduled meeting.