Fed's Evans: Jobless rate not likely to improve (by Greg Robb)
WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) - The best case forecast for U.S. growth is not likely to be enough to bring down unemployment and as a result the Fed should continue to explore easing options, according to Charles Evans, the president of the Chicago Fed on Tuesday, according to wire reports. In comments to reporters after a speech in New York, Evans said that the best case scenario for U.S. economy is 2.5% growth in 2012 and 3% growth in 2013. This is not enough growth to improve the unemployment situation, he said. Evans said more asset purchases could show the Fed's commitment to keep policy tilted toward helping boost the economy. Evans dissented from the Fed's decision to stand pat at its November policy meeting.