Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell explains the decision to cut the policy rate, federal funds rate, by 25 basis points to the range of 4.25%-4.5% after the December meeting and responds to questions in the post-meeting press conference.
Key quotes
"Can dial back policy restraint more slowly if inflation not moving sustainably toward 2%."
"Policy is well-positioned to deal with risks."
"Can ease more quickly if labor market weakens unexpectedly or inflation falls more quickly."
"Today was a closer call but the right call."
"Decided it was the right call as best decision to foster achievement of goals."
"Risks are two-sided."
"Trying to steer between those 2 risks."
"Downside risks to labor market have diminished, but still cooling."
"Don't think we need further cooling to get inflation down to 2%
"Job creation is below the level that would hold jobless rate constant."
"Labor market quite gradually cooling."
"Inflation story broadly on track, housing services steadily coming down."
"Extent and timing language shows we are at or near point of slowing rate cuts."
"Slower pace of rate cuts reflects expectation of higher inflation."
"Risks and uncertainty around inflation we see as higher."
"Cuts we make next year will react to data."
US Dollar FAQs
The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency of the United States of America, and the ‘de facto’ currency of a significant number of other countries where it is found in circulation alongside local notes. It is the most heavily traded currency in the world, accounting for over 88% of all global foreign exchange turnover, or an average of $6.6 trillion in transactions per day, according to data from 2022. Following the second world war, the USD took over from the British Pound as the world’s reserve currency. For most of its history, the US Dollar was backed by Gold, until the Bretton Woods Agreement in 1971 when the Gold Standard went away.
The most important single factor impacting on the value of the US Dollar is monetary policy, which is shaped by the Federal Reserve (Fed). The Fed has two mandates: to achieve price stability (control inflation) and foster full employment. Its primary tool to achieve these two goals is by adjusting interest rates. When prices are rising too quickly and inflation is above the Fed’s 2% target, the Fed will raise rates, which helps the USD value. When inflation falls below 2% or the Unemployment Rate is too high, the Fed may lower interest rates, which weighs on the Greenback.
In extreme situations, the Federal Reserve can also print more Dollars and enact quantitative easing (QE). QE is the process by which the Fed substantially increases the flow of credit in a stuck financial system. It is a non-standard policy measure used when credit has dried up because banks will not lend to each other (out of the fear of counterparty default). It is a last resort when simply lowering interest rates is unlikely to achieve the necessary result. It was the Fed’s weapon of choice to combat the credit crunch that occurred during the Great Financial Crisis in 2008. It involves the Fed printing more Dollars and using them to buy US government bonds predominantly from financial institutions. QE usually leads to a weaker US Dollar.
Quantitative tightening (QT) is the reverse process whereby the Federal Reserve stops buying bonds from financial institutions and does not reinvest the principal from the bonds it holds maturing in new purchases. It is usually positive for the US Dollar.
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
USD/JPY jumps above 154 after a hawkish Fed and ahead of BoJ
The USD/JPY pair is trading well above the 154.00 mark after the US Federal Reserve delivered a hawkish 25 bps rate cut. The Bank of Japan is expected to remain on hold, although a rate hike can't be ruled out.
EUR/USD nears year low amid a hawkish Federal Reserve
EUR/USD accelerated its slump after the Federal Reserve trimmed interest rates as expected but also released a dot-plot showing lesser interest rate cuts in 2025. The "hawkish cut" boosts demand for the US Dollar.
Gold nears $2,600 after Fed's decision
Gold fell towards $2,600 and trades nearby as the Federal Reserve's hawkish cut sent investors into safety. Demand for the US Dollar outpaces that of the bright metal as US, officials foresee fewer interest rate cuts in 2025.
Bitcoin, crypto market set for massive dump following Trump's inauguration: Arthur Hayes
Bitcoin (BTC) and the crypto market could face a massive sell-off as expectations for Donald Trump's administration of pro-crypto policies could be short-lived, according to Arthur Hayes.
Sticky UK services inflation to come lower in 2025
Services inflation is stuck at 5% and will stay around there for the next few months. But further progress, helped by more benign annual rises in index-linked prices in April, should see ‘core services’ inflation fall materially in the spring.
Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads
VERIFIED Low spreads are crucial for reducing trading costs. Explore top Forex brokers offering competitive spreads and high leverage. Compare options for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and Gold.