Fed board member Cook stated on Monday that policymakers can be more cautious regarding further interest rate cuts, citing a strong labor market and recent unstable inflation data. Cook said: "Since September of last year, the resilience of the labor market has increased, and inflation's stickiness is greater than I initially thought. Therefore, I believe we can be more cautious in cutting rates." She remarked: "I have always envisioned taking quicker action in the early stages of accommodative policy, then gradually easing as the policy rate approaches neutrality... Over time, I still believe adjusting the policy rate toward a more neutral stance may be appropriate." Cook indicated that the USA economy started this year in a "good state." Given the relatively low unemployment rate and that wage growth is on average exceeding inflation, the employment situation is stable. She does not view the labor market as a significant source of inflationary pressure. While commenting on the noticeable cooling of price growth in recent years, she stated, "There is a long way to go to reach the 2% inflation target."