PANews reported on March 31 that, according to Jinshi News, New York Federal Reserve President Williams stated on Monday that the current monetary policy stance is appropriate and sufficient to address the risk of rising inflation in the near term. He pointed out that the Middle East war could trigger a supply shock, simultaneously pushing up inflation and suppressing economic activity; the effects are already beginning to appear, and there are signs of supply chain disruptions. Although the inflation outlook is "highly uncertain," rising energy prices will push up overall inflation in the coming months; some of these gains could reverse if the conflict ends and oil prices fall. Williams did not hint at any near-term adjustments to monetary policy. In his speech, Williams stated that he expects the U.S. economy to grow at approximately 2.5% this year, with inflation reaching 2.75%, before falling back to the 2% target level next year. He also stated that he expects the unemployment rate to decline this year and next. Williams' outlook on inflation and employment is more optimistic than most of his Fed colleagues.