ME News news, December 18 (UTC+8), Hassett, director of the National Economic Council of the White House, welcomed the November CPI report, stating that the U.S. economy is showing high growth and a decline in inflation. He said, "I am not saying we should declare victory on price issues, but this is a surprisingly good CPI report." Hassett noted that wage growth is outpacing price growth, and American taxpayers will see significant refunds next year, with the government helping to lower mortgage rates. He stated, "The Federal Reserve has a lot of room to cut rates." Hassett is a leading candidate to succeed Powell as the next chair of the Federal Reserve, and he also expressed that the Fed should be more transparent in the future. "I believe the Fed must double its transparency. No matter who leads the Fed, all cards should be on the table so that we can figure out what is really happening at that institution." (Golden Ten) (Source: ME)