Fed's Jefferson: Moody's downgrade will be treated as any other data in setting policy

AMELIA ISLAND, May 19 (Reuters) - Federal Reserve policymakers will treat the Moody's downgrade to the U.S. credit rating as any other data in setting monetary policy, Fed vice chair Philip Jefferson said on Monday.

"We will put that downgrade in the same perspective that we do with all incoming information: What are the implications of this in terms of us achieving our mandated goals without commenting on what that downgrade might mean in sort of a political economy context," Jefferson said at an Atlanta Fed financial markets conference.

"We are trying to fulfill our dual mandate, maximum employment and price stability. In a time like this when financial markets are changing it is important for us to stay focused on our mission," Jefferson said.