Central Banks

Powell Says US Data Offer Confidence That Inflation Is on Path to 2%

  • Says risks to employment, inflation goals now more balanced
  • Latest three inflation readings add ‘somewhat’ to confidence
Fed’s Powell Says Recent Inflation Readings Add to Confidence
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Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said second-quarter economic data has provided policymakers greater confidence that inflation is heading down to the central bank’s 2% goal, possibly paving the way for near-term interest-rate cuts.

Powell highlighted the three latest inflation readings, though he made clear he didn’t intend to send any specific message about the timing of rate reductions. He also cemented a shift in tone toward emphasizing potential risks to the labor market, alongside the Fed’s continued focus on taming prices.