#PowellRemarks Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, following the June 18 meeting, reiterated that the central bank would maintain the policy rate at 4.25–4.50% while keeping inflation and employment goals in check. He emphasized that the Fed is “data‑dependent” and cautious, citing uncertainty from proposed import tariffs and geopolitical tensions . Powell warned of “meaningful” inflation driven by tariff pass‑through and noted that current economic projections are the “least unlikely path” amid elevated ambiguity . Despite market speculation, he didn’t commit to rate cuts, explaining it’s prudent to “wait a couple of months” for clearer data.