#PowellRemarks

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell emphasized the central bank’s commitment to achieving price stability, noting that inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target. He stated that while progress has been made, recent data shows inflation is not falling as quickly as expected. Powell reiterated that the Fed is prepared to keep interest rates higher for longer if necessary. He acknowledged the strong labor market but warned that too much persistence in inflation could require further policy tightening. Powell stressed that decisions will remain data-dependent, and the Fed will act carefully to balance the risks of inflation against the risks to growth.