#PowellRemarks

. Data‑dependent stance

Powell emphasized the need to wait and see—future decisions will hinge on incoming economic data and risk assessments, such as inflation, labor markets, and global developments .

He noted that the dot-plot projections lacked conviction: “No one holds these rate paths with a great deal of conviction

. Labor market strong

Despite some slowdown, the labor market remains solid: unemployment at ~4.2%, healthy job gains, wage growth exceeding inflation, and strong participation rates