Fed's Barkin: Individual hesitance over vaccine a potential barrier to herd immunity

The individual hesitance to receive a coronavirus vaccine is a potential barrier to herd immunity but the economy may not require it, Richmond Federal Reserve President Thomas Barkin said on Friday, as reported by Reuters.

"Warmer weather, spreading immunity will mean fewer constraints on consumers and businesses," Barkin added. "Inflation is not in the numbers but I don't expect to see price pressure this year between base effects, fiscal spending and the use of excess savings."

Market reaction

The US Dollar Index largely ignored these remarks and was last seen losing 0.4% on the day at 90.23.