[Federal Reserve's Barkin: Gradual Rate Hikes Are Reasonable] Odaily Planet Daily reports that Federal Reserve Chairman Barkin recently stated, "Demand in the economy is robust, although some sectors haven't felt this. Earnings remain strong, which is encouraging businesses to invest and retain employees. Inflation is not expected to accelerate, but it doesn't appear to be declining at the moment either. Gradual rate hikes remain reasonable to me." (Sina Finance)