Recent weak economic data and a call from the International Monetary Fund to delay a rise until 2016 had dampened expectations of a 2015 increase.But she said in a speech that it would be appropriate to start "normalising" monetary policy this year.However, Ms Yellen expressed caution, saying the jobs market must improve.Speaking in Cleveland, Ohio, Ms Yellen said she expected the economy to grow steadily for the remainder of the year, and that would at least allow the Fed to move ahead with its first rate hike since late-2008.