Upon reviewing its economic policies, the Federal Reserve set a benchmark where it would begin its bond tapering scheme. Chicago Fed President Charles Evans said Monday that the economy is close to reaching the Fed’s benchmark. “I see the economy as being close to meeting the ‘substantial further progress’ standard we laid out last December.” He went on to say, “If the flow of employment improvements continues, it seems likely that those conditions will be met soon and tapering can commence.” Additionally, the Fed is concerned about inflation, which policymakers fear could rise above the 2% goal.