Nov 26, 2019

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's last word

Courtenay Brown

Jerome Powel before Congress on Nov. 14. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Fed chair Jerome Powell said the Fed’s monetary policy stance is appropriate, for now, though he noted in a speech Monday night the central bank is not on a “preset course.”

Why it matters: It was Powell's final public remarks — and the last opportunity to recalibrate market expectations — before the Fed enters its "quiet period" ahead of the next interest rate decision.

  • The message from Powell, along with other members of the FOMC, has been consistent: After three consecutive rate cuts, the Fed is waiting to see how the trade war, and other risks to economic growth, shake out.

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Courtenay Brown

Federal Reserve keeps interest rates unchanged

Fed chair Jerome Powell at a news conference in October. Photo: Eric Baradat/AFP via Getty Images

The Federal Reserve said Wednesday that it would keep the benchmark interest rate at its current range of 1.5%-1.75%, a widely expected decision that ends the Fed's rate-cutting streak.

Why it matters: The central bank is confident the economy doesn't need easier borrowing conditions to stay afloat and signaled no further cuts through the 2020 presidential election, though uncertainties like the U.S.-China trade war remain. Wednesday's decision comes despite President Trump's continued push to goad the Fed to further trim rates.

Go deeperArrowDec 11, 2019
Courtenay Brown

College students as the Fed

Pace University won this year’s “National College Fed Challenge” — an annual collegiate competition hosted by the Federal Reserve on Friday.

How it works: Students evaluate the economy and present a monetary policy decision — just like the Fed's rate-setting committee — to a panel of judges who are working Fed officials.

Go deeperArrowNov 25, 2019
Dion Rabouin

The Fed's statement is a bit of a head-scratcher

Screenshot of the Fed's dot plot

Wednesday's Federal Open Market Committee meeting was largely a non-event, with the Fed holding U.S. interest rates steady as expected by nearly 100% of the market.

Between the lines: However, the Fed's statement and predictions for future policy left many confused.

Go deeperArrowDec 12, 2019