Fed Chair Powell Signals Patience on Rate Cuts Amid Strong Economy $SPY (+0,36%)
ECONOMIC OVERVIEW
- U.S. economic performance described as "remarkably good"
- Fed sees no urgency to cut interest rates given current economic signals
- Policy path remains flexible, not preset
- Economy's strength allows for careful approach to policy decisions
INFLATION OUTLOOK
- Core PCE expected to rise to 2.8% in October (up from 2.7% in September)
- Total PCE price index projected at 2.3% (up from 2.1% in September)
- Fed expects inflation rates to fluctuate within recent ranges
- Commitment to reaching 2% inflation goal remains firm
- Path to target described as "sometimes-bumpy"
LABOR MARKET
- Current state characterized as "solid"
- Market has cooled sufficiently to reduce inflationary pressures
- No longer considered a significant source of inflation concern
HOUSING SECTOR
- Fed closely monitoring gradual decline in housing services inflation
- Notes that housing services inflation has not yet fully normalized
POLICY STANCE
- Moving toward neutral policy position over time
- Emphasis on careful, data-dependent approach
- No predetermined timeline for policy adjustments
- Fed maintains commitment to "finishing the job" on inflation control