[Federal Reserve's Collins: May Support Rate Hike if Inflation Cools Less Than Expected] Golden Finance reported on August 28 that Boston Federal Reserve President Collins stated that if future data shows inflation cooling less than expected, she may support the Fed raising interest rates at its next meeting. Earlier this week, she noted that if there is no clear evidence of sustained improvement in inflation, then it might be appropriate to tighten policy 'soon.' When asked whether 'soon' could mean the next one or two meetings, Collins admitted, 'It's possible, yes.' Collins believes the July inflation report overall aligns with her assessment. Although core inflation was slightly higher than expected, after excluding certain items with prices that are difficult to directly observe, the data was 'more encouraging.' She still expects inflation to gradually cool even without further rate hikes. She also revealed that her latest forecast submitted in June projected interest rates to remain unchanged through the end of this year, and she considers the current rate level to be 'mildly restrictive' for the economy.