At the same time, in a panel discussion at the International Monetary Fund, Powell did not rule out another rate hike to help reduce inflation to the Fed's 2% target level.
“We are not confident," he said, that the Fed’s benchmark rate is high enough to steadily reduce inflation to its 2% target.
Political Cartoons View All 1237 ImagesPowell said that "if it becomes appropriate” to raise rates further, “we will not hesitate to do so” but said that for now it isn’t ”appropriate” to increase the Fed's benchmark rate.
The central bank's benchmark short-term rate, now about 5.4%, is at its highest level in 22 years.
O’Neill Paese said “it would be unwise to suggest that further rate hikes are off the table.”But she added that the Fed’s benchmark rate is “exerting modest downward pressure on inflation,” so officials “can afford to await further data before concluding” that more rate hikes might be needed.
Persons:
Jerome Powell, Powell, ”, Powell’s, Tom Barkin, ” Barkin, ” Kathleen O’Neill Paese, Louis, O’Neill Paese
Organizations:
WASHINGTON, —, International Monetary Fund, Fed, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Federal Reserve Bank of St
Locations:
United States