INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated yesterday that the central bank needs no rush to adjust interest rates amid growing economic
The Fed maintains its benchmark interest rate between 4.25% and 4.5%, unchanged since December 2024.Powell pointed to significant policy
shifts under the Trump administration affecting trade, immigration, fiscal policy, and regulation.He stressed that the combined impact of
Interest Rates, Powell States
(Photo Internet reproduction)The February jobs report released Friday showed the economy added 151,000 jobs, slightly below market
expectations of 160,000.The unemployment rate stands at 4.1%, while employers have created a solid average of 191,000 jobs monthly since
September.Inflation concerns remain at the forefront of Fed policy discussions
Current data shows total PCE prices rose 2.5% over the 12 months ending January 2025.Core PCE prices, which exclude food and energy,
Interest Rates, Powell StatesPowell acknowledged rising near-term inflation expectations, noting both consumers and businesses mention
tariffs as a driving factor.He warned that tariffs might cause more than just one-time price increases if they become a series of
Traders now see reduced chances of a March rate cut, with projections of three quarter-point cuts by year-end.The Fed will meet on March
18-19, where analysts expect rates to remain unchanged
Powell confirmed the central bank stands ready to maintain restrictive policy if inflation persists or ease policy if the labor market
