Incoming data indicate the US economy retains momentum as 2017 draws to a close, clearing the way for the Fed to hike rates in December. Inflation, however, remains on the soft side and continues to make some FOMC members nervous. That said, the consensus looks set to downplay those concerns amid an environment of solid economic growth and declining unemployment rates. I think it will be a challenge for FOMC members to shift gears to steady policy until growth moderates sufficiently to stabilize unemployment rates.