Fed Chair Powell says the US economy is in 'solid shape' with gradual rate cuts coming
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has signaled that more rate cuts are in the pipeline, though their size and speed will depend on the evolution of the economy
WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signaled Monday that more interest rate cuts are in the pipeline but suggested they would occur at a measured pace intended to support a still-healthy economy.
His comments, at a conference of the National Association for Business Economics in Nashville, Tennessee, disappointed the hopes of many investors that the Fed would implement another steep half-point reduction in its key rate before the end of the year. The Fed cut its rate by a larger-than-usual half point earlier this month as it has moved past its inflation fight and pivoted toward supporting the job market.
The broad S&P 500 stock index initially fell 0.6% after his remarks, but recovered afterwards to close about 0.4% higher.
“We’re looking at it as a process that will play out over some time,” Powell said during a question and answer session, referring to the Fed's interest rate reductions, “not something that we need to go fast on. It’ll depend on the data, the speed at which we actually go.”
