In an interview with Fox Business, Collins highlighted the significant progress in reducing inflation, which she believed was now on a sustainable downward trajectory.

Coupled with a generally strong labour market, Collins asserted that it was an opportune time to begin easing monetary policy.

She also emphasised the importance of a gradual and methodical approach to ensure the continued health of the labour market as the policy stance shifts.

“I think a gradual, methodical pace once we are in a different policy stance is likely to be appropriate,” Collins said.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.