Federal Reserve Chair Powell warned that Trump’s tariffs could force the Fed to choose between its dual mandates of controlling inflation and supporting growth. Speaking in Chicago, he stated tariffs would likely push the economy “further away from our goals” throughout this year by potentially raising inflation while slowing economic growth.
Powell explained that tariff-driven inflation might be temporary or persistent, depending on their magnitude, how quickly price increases spread, and whether inflation expectations remain stable.
He offered no specific guidance on interest rates, saying the Fed is “well positioned to wait for greater clarity” before making policy changes.
Markets still anticipate rate cuts beginning in June, with three to four reductions expected by the end of 2025, though Powell’s cautious remarks sent stocks lower and Treasury yields down.