Powell: Inflation expectations in near term have risen

Fed's Powell: We're very strongly committed to keeping inflation expectations anchored at 2%. *POWELL: FED IS IN DIFFICULT SITUATION, NEEDS TO BALANCE RISKS POWELL: WHERE POLICY IS NOW IS THE RIGHT PLACE TO BE Fed's Powell: We don't want too restrictive a policy because of downside labor market risks. Fed's Powell: It is frustrating that non-housing services inflation hasn't come down.

*POWELL: IF WE DON'T SEE INFLATION PROGRESS, WON'T SEE RATE CUT Fed's Powell: Most longer-term expectations are consistent with the 2% goal. FED'S POWELL: PROGRESS ON GOODS INFLATION IS KEY FOCUS; CRUCIAL TO SEE REDUCTION THIS YEAR POWELL: 'WE JUST DON'T KNOW' WHAT EFFECTS OF ENERGY RISE WILL BE FED'S POWELL: WON'T TAKE LOOKING THROUGH INFLATION LIGHTLY; ENERGY PASS-THROUGH QUESTION ONLY ARISES AFTER GOODS INFLATION BOX IS CHECKED; CONTEXT OF FIVE YEARS ABOVE TARGET MATTERS

FED'S POWELL: PAST RATE CUTS SHOULD HELP STABILIZE THE LABOR MARKET. ... POWELL: INFLATION OVERSHOOT IS MAINLY FROM GOODS AND TARIFFS ... Fed's Powell: A long period of higher gas prices would weigh on consumption, but I don't know if that will happen. FED'S POWELL: IF EVER GOING TO SKIP AN SEP, THIS WOULD BE A GOOD ONE ... *POWELL: OIL SHOCK WILL PUT SOME DOWNWARD PRESSURE ON EMPLOYMENT