Fed's Stance on Interest Rates

Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve Chair, made it clear during Wednesday's FOMC press conference that the central bank is not rushing to cut interest rates, putting to rest any speculation about a potential rate cut in May.

Focus on Economic Indicators

Powell emphasized the importance of monitoring financial conditions closely, pointing out that policymakers have increased their assessments of risks to the Fed's economic objectives. He highlighted the Fed's reliance on "hard data" over market speculation, noting that while "soft data" might eventually impact economic conditions, such effects have not yet been observed.