, putting financial markets on notice that the Fed could return to tightening mode if it is dissatisfied with progress made on restoring inflation to target.
Addressing the central banking symposium at Jackson Hole in Wyoming late on Friday, US time, Mr Powell reiterated the Fed’s commitment to raise rates further if needed, saying he wanted to keep borrowing costs “restrictive” until inflation was back under control. While Mr Powell welcomed the falls in annual US headline inflation – now down to 3.3 per cent from a high of 7 per cent in December – he lamented the more moderate drops in core inflation, which removes factors like food and energy costs.
The Fed funds rate stands between 5.25 per cent and 5.5 per cent as of July, when it was increased 0.25 of a percentage point. Its next meeting is September 19-20.Following Mr Powell’s speech, US equity indices fluctuated before closing higher. The SP 500 gained 0.67 per cent to 4405.71, the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.73 per cent and the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.94 per cent.
As the market digests Mr Powell’s comments, Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock will appear on Tuesday in Canberra to discuss “climate change and central banks”. Ms Bullock is expected to take the reins from outgoing governor Philip Lowe next month, following the September 5 policy meeting.