Speech of Fed Chair Jerome Powell

17:53 23 September 2025

Jerome Powell, the Chair of the Fed, comments today on the situation of the US economy. The Fed Chair points out that there is no risk-free policy path ahead, and although the labor market has weakened, prices continue to rise, and the cost of living in the US remains high.

  • Public trust in economic and political institutions has been undermined; public officials must focus closely on their core missions.
  • We will ensure that a one-time price increase does not turn into a persistent inflation problem.
  • Tariff increases will likely result in somewhat higher inflation over the next several quarters.
  • The reasonable base case is that the tariff-driven inflation effects will be relatively short-lived.
  • Disinflation in services continues; most long-term inflation expectations are consistent with the 2% target.
  • Goods price increases largely reflect the impact of tariffs, not broader price pressures.
  • The 12-month PCE inflation was probably 2.7% in August, with core PCE at 2.3%; both figures are higher than a year ago and driven by goods prices.
  • Consumer spending has slowed, and businesses say that uncertainty weighs on the outlook.
  • There has been an unusual and challenging decline in both the supply and demand for workers.
  • The labor market is less dynamic and somewhat softer."
  • Inflation has risen and remains elevated.
  • Economic growth has moderated, and risks to employment have increased.
  • Long-term inflation expectations are consistent with the 2% target.
  • Some asset prices are elevated relative to historical levels. Equities are fairly highly valued.
  • We do not target specific levels of financial asset prices.
  • This is not a period of elevated risks to financial stability.
  •  Banks are well-capitalized, and households remain in good shape.
  • We need to adjust our policy toward a more balanced approach.
  • Ahead of the next meeting, we will closely examine labor market conditions, growth data, and inflation to assess whether policy is appropriately positioned.
  • If it is not, we will adjust it accordingly.
  • The focus on inflation must be moderated in favor of a more balanced approach.
  • The labor market softened over the summer.
  • The Beige Book pointed to moderate growth.
  • I cannot say that AI is the main reason. Artificial intelligence means that some jobs will be phased out, while others will evolve

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