, Columnist
Fed's Powell Just Wants to Be Understood
The new chair dispenses with jargon and takes cues from monetary policy bloggers.
No longer lost in translation.
Photographer: Mark Wilson/Getty Images
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Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell put his mark on the central bank on Wednesday with a news conference that stood out for its openness and plain-spokenness.
In the past, Fed chiefs have typically met with reporters once a quarter, answering questions while seated behind a large wooden lectern, much like a judge presiding over a courtroom. Powell broke with tradition by standing behind a lectern and speaking in conversational language. In addition, he indicated that he would answer the press's questions after each of the Fed's eight policy meetings, rather than just four.