LUSAKA, Jan 23 — US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen today said a strong labour market and easing inflation in the United States were “very hopeful signs.”

Yellen told reporters there had been good news on US inflation over the past six months, with energy prices, shipping rates and goods prices having come down and supply chain problems largely mitigated. Rental housing prices were expected to ease over next six months, which would also help, she said.

“We still have a labour market that is very tight. We’re seeing some signs of services inflation that need continued attention, but overall I feel good that inflation is coming down,” Yellen told reporters after touring a health facility in the Zambian capital of Lusaka.

“I do think in the US that we continue to see a strong labour market and progress on inflation, so those are very hopeful signs,” she said. — Reuters

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