Jerome Powell Signals Interest Rate Cuts Amid Job Market Concerns

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced support for interest rate cuts due to economic indicators like employment rates and inflation. He emphasized the need for policy adjustments to maintain economic stability. The Fed aims for a 2% inflation target while preventing further job market cooling, with upcoming data influencing future decisions.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Friday clearly endorsed interest rate cuts, highlighting the need to stabilize both inflation and employment. Speaking at the Kansas City Fed's annual economic conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Powell cited diminishing inflation risks and increasing unemployment concerns as key reasons for the policy shift.

He expressed confidence that inflation is moving towards the U.S. central bank's 2% target. Powell noted that while unemployment has risen, it was due to a higher labor supply and slower hiring rather than job losses. The Fed's priority is to ensure a strong labor market alongside price stability.

Market reactions include bets on a series of rate cuts, with futures indicating a potential decrease to a 3.00%-3.25% range by the end of 2025. Powell's remarks solidify expectations for a new chapter in monetary policy, focusing on balancing inflation control and employment stabilization.

(With inputs from agencies.)