On September 17, local time, Federal Reserve Chairman Powell held a press conference at the Federal Reserve headquarters after the Federal Open Market Commission (FOMC) meeting.
Powell said that the unemployment rate in the United States remained low but increased slightly. Inflation has risen recently and remains at a slightly higher level. U.S. inflation risks are on the rise, while employment risks are on the decline. After next year, most indicators of inflation expectations will be in line with the 2% target.The tariff-fueled price upward trend is expected to continue this year and next。
When asked how Stephen Miran, chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, joins the Federal Reserve and how the agency can maintain its independence in the public eye, Powell said,Fed'firmly committed 'to maintaining its independence from political influence。
Powell added that the Fed should watch the tariffs, inflation and labor market develop, and then lower interest rates.
On the same day, the latest Federal Open Market Commission (FOMC) monetary policy meeting record showed that the Federal Reserve decided to lower the federal fund interest rate target range by 25 basis points, to between 4.00% and 4.25%. This was the first Fed rate reduction since December 2024.