Investors look to Powell’s Jackson Hole speech for clues about Fed’s first cut

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and his central bank colleagues face a very different dilemma than they did a year ago as they gather later this week for their annual economic symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyo.

Last August the main question was how long rates would need to stay at two-decade highs to cool inflation.

This year, as inflation shows new signs of cooling and the job market slows, the question isn’t whether the central bank will cut rates in September but by how much.

Investors will be listening for an answer on Friday during a 10 a.m. ET speech delivered by Powell, where the chair will have his chance to provide clues on the path forward for monetary policy.

 

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