Fed chairman Powell speeches today

CrisisInvesting

Powell says slowing labor market prompted rate cut, sees 'challenging situation' ahead
PUBLISHED TUE, SEP 23 2025 12:35 PM EDT
UPDATED 4 HOURS AGO
Jeff Cox
@JEFFCOXCNBCCOM
@JEFF.COX.7528
WATCH LIVE
KEY POINTS
Fed Chair Jerome Powell said that weakness in the labor market is outweighing concerns about stubborn inflation, leading to a decision to lower the central bank's key interest rate last week.
"This policy stance, which I see as still modestly restrictive, leaves us well positioned to respond to potential economic developments," he added in a speech delivered in Rhode Island.
Powell is presiding over a Fed that has come under intense criticism from the White House and is seeing an unusually wide dispersion in views among officials.
U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a press conference, following the issuance of the Federal Open Market Committee's statement on interest rate policy, in Washington, D.C., U.S., Sept. 17, 2025.
U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a press conference, following the issuance of the Federal Open Market Committee's statement on interest rate policy, in Washington, D.C., U.S., Sept. 17, 2025.
Elizabeth Frantz | Reuters
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Tuesday that weakness in the labor market is outweighing concerns about stubborn inflation, leading to a decision he backed to lower the central bank's key interest rate last week.

The Federal Open Market Committee's first cut of the year came amid signs that both supply and demand of workers is waning at the same time that near-term impact from tariffs has pushed inflation higher.