Barkin: Low unemployment, wages, asset prices bolstering consumers

WASHINGTON, Sept 22 (Reuters) - A low unemployment rate, wage growth, and high asset prices have kept consumers on track, a prop to the U.S. economy even as firms and households continue to navigate higher tariffs, Richmond Fed president Thomas Barkin said on Monday.

"Consumers are spending nicely. Why wouldn't they?" Barkin said in comments during a virtual meeting with members of a local Maryland Chamber of Commerce. "Unemployment is low, real wages are increasing, and stock market valuations are healthy," he said.