Powell: Many paths on the economy are possible

  • Comments in the Q&A from Powell
Powell testimony
  • Could see inflation come in not as strong as expected, if that's the case it would suggest cutting sooner
  • We could see the labor market weakening and that would also suggest cutting sooner
  • If we see labor market stronger, it would suggest cutting later
  • A significant majority of policymakers think it will be appropriate to reduce rates later this year
  • Projections are subject to great uncertainty
  • Too early to know economic implications of the Middle East
  • Reason we are not cutting rates is that forecast in and out of Fed expect a meaningful increase in inflation this year

There is nothing market moving so far.

More:

  • We don't see weakness in the labor market, that would matter but we don't see it
  • As long as economy is strong we can take a little bit of a pause here
  • It's too soon to say anything on supply chains, we're watching that
  • We don't see weakness in the labor market
  • If not for our forecast on inflation, we could have continued cutting
  • Supply chains really matter, it's too soon to say on that
  • It's difficult to decide when to move
  • Says uncertainty about size and potential potential persistence of inflation from tariffs is reason not to cut rates

Even more:

  • We are getting closer to price stability, not quite there yet.
  • Once get there, can react more strongly to downturns in the economy.
  • Talk to a lot of lawmakers privately that says the Fed is doing the right thing rates.
  • Asset prices high, but leverage in a particularly high.
  • Overall financial stability conditions not in a place where we worry a lot.

Top Brokers

Sponsored

General Risk Warning