Powell answers questions following his speech

Powell answers questions following his speech
  • We monitor financial risks very closely, they're moderate overall
  • Job growth is slowing
  • Yield curve control is something worth looking at
  • Repeats that the Fed isn't in favor of negative rates
  • Likens current episode to mid-90s modest rate cuts, says that's the 'spirit' of current cuts
  • Says it's possible that rate cuts hurt consumer confidence but but hasn't seen signs of it
  • We want inflation expectations to be centered right at 2%
  • Do not want to get on 'disinflationary' road
  • I watch markets very closely
  • The geopolitical risks are important right now.
  • We've learned that the unemployment rate can just lower lower than we previously believed
  • We've got a 'solid' consumer. US economy feels sustainable, not aspect is booming
  • Wages are rising but right around the rate of productivity

He sounds reluctant to cut to my ear.