Fed's Mester says U.S. economic data consistent with higher rates

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"We have made progress on both (of the Fed's) mandates," Mester, who dissented with two other Fed officials at the September policy meeting, told reporters after a speech at an event organized by the Manhattan Institute.

She said the case for a second rate increase, after the Fed raised interest rates last December for the first time in a decade, "has strengthened."

"A gradual path of higher rates is appropriate," she added.

(Reporting by Richard Leong; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)