Powell defends Fed's pandemic response amid escalating Trump criticism
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell delivered a forceful defense of the central bank’s response to the COVID-19 crisis on Sunday.
Washington, D.C., February 24, 2025 – Research released by the San Francisco Fed on Monday reveals that investors and economists expect the U.S. central bank to respond “strongly and systematically” to shifts in inflation and labor market conditions.
The analysis, which examined professional forecasts and bond market movements, indicates that market participants have grown increasingly sensitive to U.S. economic data - especially since 2022.
The study notes that although inflation began rising in 2021, the Fed did not initiate interest rate hikes until 2022. Similarly, deteriorating labor market data in mid-2022 spurred the Fed to reduce the policy rate by a full percentage point starting last September. Currently, the Fed’s target rate stands between 4.25% and 4.50%.
Recent economic indicators, including a survey showing business activity falling to a 17-month low, have bolstered market expectations of two quarter-percentage-point rate cuts later this year. Interest rate futures suggest that the first rate cut could come as early as June, with a second possible as early as October.
Analysts point out that concerns over slowing economic growth are now overshadowing fears of a resurgence in inflation, influencing the anticipated Fed policy moves. The findings underscore the central bank’s readiness to adjust monetary policy in response to evolving economic conditions, as financial markets continue to closely monitor U.S. economic data.
AnewZ takes to the streets of Yerevan and Baku to ask a simple yet deeply complex question: How do you see peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan? In the first part of our special report, we hear the hopes, doubts, and scars still shaping people’s perspectives on both sides.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Kyiv faced a large-scale Russian drone and missile assault overnight, with explosions and gunfire echoing throughout the city, forcing residents to shelter in subway stations.
President Donald Trump announced that he will increase steel tariffs from 25% to 50%, a move that could push up costs for industries relying on steel, including housing and auto manufacturing.
U.S. stocks wrapped up the week with a mixed finish after President Donald Trump accused China of breaking a recent trade agreement, reigniting global market jitters just weeks after a deal was struck in Geneva.
Volkswagen is negotiating directly with the U.S. government to ease tariffs in exchange for deeper investment commitments.
Wall Street futures slipped as a surprise court ruling brought back most of Trump-era tariffs, shaking investor confidence heading into month-end.
Model Hailey Bieber is selling her skincare brand Rhode to e.l.f. Beauty in a deal worth up to $1 billion (£790 million), with plans for international expansion and continued viral success.
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