Fed's Dudley: Easing financial conditions played role in prompting March rate hike

More headlines are crossing the wires, via Reuters, from New York Fed's President William Dudley:

• Suggests backs gradual, predictable tapering of bond portfolio
• Expects long-term rates to rise as Fed outlines plan to reduce portfolio
• Easing financial conditions played role in prompting March rate hike
• Rate decisions hinge in part on financial conditions that influence economy
• Fed carefully monitoring yields, credit, stocks, dollar conditions