#PowellRemarks Key Takeaways from Powell’s June 18–19 Press Conference

1. Interest Rates Held Steady, Cuts Signal Uncertain

The FOMC maintained the federal funds rate at 4.25–4.50%, the fourth hold this year .

The median forecast still anticipates two rate cuts later in 2025, though Powell stressed that timing will depend on fresh economic and inflation data .

2. Tariff‑Driven Inflation Risk

Powell repeatedly flagged new tariffs as a major inflationary risk.