New York Federal Reserve President John Williams on Wednesday stressed the importance of central bank independence as President Donald Trump looks to exert control over monetary policy. In a CNBC interview, the influential policymaker avoided commenting directly on Trump’s efforts to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook but did note the important economic role the central bank plays in maintaining a stable economy. “Personally, I have worked with Lisa Cook as she’s been a member of the Board of Governors, and she’s always brought integrity and commitment to the central bank’s mission,” Williams said during the “Squawk Box” ... (full story)