Powell Cautions Against Hasty Rate Reductions in the Midst of Inflation Battle
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NAIROBI (CoinChapter.com)—Jerome Powell, the Chair of the Federal Reserve, stressed that recent data does not provide enough support to justify rate cuts, as concerns over persistent inflation persist.
The remarks were made by the Fed Chair ahead of a two-day testimony before Congress. Powell highlighted the resilience of the economy and the strength of the labor market, despite some indications of a slowdown.
Federal Reserve Chair Powell believes that inflation has not cooled enough for rate cuts.
Source:
Watcher.Guru
Federal Reserve’s Position on Interest Rates Remains Firm
During his semiannual testimony on Capitol Hill, Powell emphasized the Federal Reserve’s commitment to achieving its 2% inflation target. The Fed chief acknowledged that while inflation has eased from its peak, policymakers remain cautious about reducing policy restraint too quickly.
Furthermore, Jerome Powell stressed that inadequate or delayed reduction of policy restraint could have a significant negative impact on economic activity and employment.
The current overnight borrowing rate set by the Fed is 5.25%-5.50%, the highest in 23 years, following 11 consecutive hikes. Market analysts predict a rate cut in September, but Powell’s comments suggest a more measured approach.
At their June meeting, members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) indicated that only one cut would be made by the end of the year.
Fed Decisions Influenced by Economic Data
Recent inflation data has shown improvement, with the Fed’s preferred personal consumption expenditures price index at 2.6% in May, down from over 7% in June 2022.
Despite some cooling in the labor market, Powell emphasized the resilience of the economy, pointing out that the U.S. economy continues to grow at a solid pace. The Fed chief cited strong private domestic demand and consistent consumer spending as the reasons behind this.
Personal consumption expenditure index. Source:
US Bureau of Economic Analysis
During his testimony, Powell faced pressure from Democratic committee members to lower rates in order to protect job gains. Committee Chair Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) expressed concerns about the potential impact of delayed rate cuts on employment.
However, Powell reiterated the importance of the Fed’s independence in making policy decisions.
As Powell navigates the political landscape, the focus of the regulator remains on data-driven decisions to guide monetary policy. The Fed’s cautious stance reflects its commitment to finding a balance between controlling inflation and maintaining economic stability.
Powell’s cautious approach has significant implications for financial markets. His insistence on more data before implementing rate cuts highlights the Fed’s vigilance in achieving its inflation target. Investors and analysts will closely monitor upcoming economic reports to gauge the Fed’s next steps.