Spot gold was up 0.2% at $1,953.76 per ounce, as of 0206 GMT, after hitting its highest since April 2022 earlier in the session.
U.S. gold futures rose 1.3% to $1,967.50.
However, Powell warned of further monetary policy tightening while noting the progress on disinflation, which he said was in its early stages.
"Although Powell said rate hikes might continue, the market expects the Fed not to be drastic anymore, which is supporting gold.
Gold tends to benefit in a lower interest rate environment, as it reduces the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion.