Powell: Some people feel we should stop here and wait

POWELL: EFFECTS OF RATE CUTS SO FAR ONLY BEGINING TO BE COMING IN Fed's Powell: We will need to be careful assessing household jobs data. FED POWELL: DATA WAS NOT COLLECTED IN OCT AND HALF OF NOV, SO THE FED WILL LOOK AT IT WITH A SKEPTICAL EYE, INCLUDING CPI AND HOUSEHOLD SURVEYS, WHICH MAY BE DISTORTED BY TECHNICAL FACTORS. POWELL: I COULD MAKE THE CASE FOR EITHER SIDE POWELL: IT'S A CLOSE CALL POWELL: ONE TOOL CAN'T DO TWO THINGS AT ONCE POWELL: IT'S A CHALLENGING SITUATION POWELL: I DON'T THINK A RATE HIKE IS ANYONE'S BASE CASE

Fed's Powell: Implication of Fed forecasts is higher productivity. POWELL: OUR TWO GOALS ARE A BIT IN TENSION POWELL: EVERYONE AT TABLE AGREES INFLATION IS TOO HIGH Fed's Powell: All agree the labour market has softened, and there are further risks. FED POWELL: DISCUSSIONS ARE THOUGHTFUL AND RESPECTFUL WITH STRONG VIEWS, BUT WE COME TOGETHER TO REACH DECISIONS, AND THERE WAS BROAD SUPPORT FOR TODAY’S DECISION.

POWELL: WELL POSITIONED TO WAIT TO SEE HOW ECONOMY EVOLVES Fed's Powell: The "extent and timing" phrase points out that we'll carefully evaluate incoming data. FED POWELL: CONSUMER SPENDING REMAINS RESILIENT, AI DATA-CENTER INVESTMENT IS SUPPORTING BUSINESS SPENDING, AND THE BASELINE OUTLOOK SEES GROWTH PICKING UP NEXT YEAR. Fed's Powell: Some of the 2026 growth upgrade reflects the shutdown ending. POWELL: WILL GET A GREAT DEAL OF DATA BEFORE JANUARY MEETING