「Fed's Whisperer」: The Fed will judiciously decide when and whether to cut interest rates

BlockBeats News, February 11th, Wall Street Journal reporter Nick Timiraos, known as the "Fed Whisperer," pointed out that Federal Reserve officials are encouraged by recent inflation data, which indicates that price pressures have remained at a moderate level, suggesting that inflation may soon be closer to the Fed's 2% target.

Fed Chair Powell began a two-day congressional testimony on Tuesday, delivering a simple message to Congress: due to the good economic conditions, the Fed can comfortably decide when and whether to cut interest rates. In the last three meetings of 2024, the Fed cut rates by a full percentage point after rates had remained at near two-decade highs.

Powell is prepared to tell lawmakers in the Senate Banking Committee, "Because our policy stance is now much more accommodative, and the economy remains strong, we do not need to rush to adjust our policy stance."

Powell defended last year's rate cuts, calling it a necessary recalibration of his policy stance to address improving inflation and cooling labor market conditions. If the labor market unexpectedly weakens, or if inflation declines more quickly than anticipated to its 2% target, the Fed may cut rates. (FXStreet)