U.S. inflation expected to decline gradually
Economists expect Fed to remain on sidelines, anticipate hikes in 2007
But further interest rates may be necessary to bring inflation down more rapidly, they noted
But warns that geopolitical concerns may slow down the pace of global economic integration
But additional firming may be needed in the near future to address inflation risks
Additional increases may be necessary to tame inflation
Higher energy prices to persist
The risk is that synchronization of monetary tightening by various central banks might slow economic growth more than intended
Inflation fears led policymakers to consider higher increase before settling for 16th straight quarter-point rise
Pause in campaign of increases may be near