empty
07.04.2025 11:11 AM
Jerome Powell Is Not Ready to Intervene

Investors were deeply disappointed when Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell made it clear during his Friday speech at the end of last week that he does not intend to intervene in the current market developments.

This image is no longer relevant

According to Powell, the U.S. central bank will not rush to respond to the Trump administration's broad tariffs or to the market turbulence triggered by fears of a global economic downturn. While the tariffs are expected to have a significant impact on the U.S. economy—slowing growth and increasing inflation—Fed officials have decided to wait for greater clarity on Trump's new policies before lowering interest rates.

The market responded immediately. Powell also emphasized that since inflation remains high, the Fed must ensure that the temporary price increases driven by tariffs do not become entrenched.

It is now evident that the Fed is not in a position to offer the kind of economic "insurance" it provided during the 2018–2019 trade war, as inflation remains above target. The Fed's apparent hesitation could result in the U.S. economy falling into a recession in the second half of the year. At that point, the central bank is likely to take action, as there will be more clarity about the trajectory of inflation and the global economy's reaction to Trump's protectionist measures.

"Although the level of uncertainty remains high, it is becoming clear that the scale of the tariffs will be significantly larger than expected," Powell said at the annual conference of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. "Our responsibility is to keep long-term inflation expectations anchored and to ensure that a one-time price level increase does not evolve into a persistent inflation problem," he added.

In his view, the Fed is in a favorable position to wait for more clarity before considering any adjustments to its policy stance. Powell noted that the central bank's tools can either slow or stimulate the economy, and a choice between the two will be necessary if both inflation accelerates and growth weakens.

Powell's remarks also indirectly point to the Fed's readiness to make broader use of its monetary policy tools, which could include not only interest rate adjustments but also changes to the size of its balance sheet. However, economists remain divided on the long-term implications of such a policy. Some believe decisive action is needed to stabilize prices and prevent an inflationary spiral, while others worry that keeping rates high for too long could slow economic growth and trigger a recession.

It is worth noting that the Fed's next meeting is scheduled for May 6–7. Traders in the futures markets, who had assigned about a 50% chance of rate cuts, reduced those odds to around 30% following Powell's comments.

As for the current technical outlook for EUR/USD: Buyers now need to focus on breaking above the 1.1020 level. Only then can they target a test of 1.1090. From there, a move to 1.1145 is possible, although reaching that without support from major players would be difficult. The final target would be the high at 1.1215. If the instrument declines, major buying activity is expected around the 1.0950 zone. If buyers don't step in there, it would be wise to wait for a retest of the 1.0890 low or open long positions from the 1.0845 level.

As for the technical picture for GBP/USD: Pound buyers need to push through the nearest resistance at 1.2950. Only then can they aim for 1.2990, although breaking above that level will be challenging. The ultimate target would be the 1.3040 level. If the pair falls, the bears will try to take control around 1.2870. If successful, a breakdown of that range could deal a serious blow to bullish positions and push GBP/USD down toward the 1.2830 low, with the potential to reach 1.2760.

Jakub Novak,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

GBP/JPY. Analysis and Forecast

The GBP/JPY pair is retreating from the psychological level of 190.00, or a two-week high reached earlier today. Following disappointing UK PMI data, selling pressure has intensified, pulling spot prices

Irina Yanina 18:16 2025-04-23 UTC+2

Market walks through minefield

If the market can rally this much on hints from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about de-escalation in the trade conflict with China, imagine how high the S&P 500 could jump

Marek Petkovich 12:35 2025-04-23 UTC+2

The Likelihood of a Euro Reversal to the South Is Increasing

As expected, the ECB cut all key interest rates by a quarter-point, bringing the deposit rate down to 2.25%. At this meeting, no new staff projections were released, and given

Kuvat Raharjo 12:01 2025-04-23 UTC+2

Markets Await a Massive Rally if the U.S. Starts Real Negotiations with China (There is a likelihood of continued growth in #NDX and Ethereum)

A new wave of euphoria has swept through the markets. Many believe it's not a coincidence: take everything away from a person and then provide them with even the smallest

Pati Gani 09:03 2025-04-23 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on April 23? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

A considerable number of macroeconomic events are scheduled for Wednesday. All of them are Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) reports for April in the services and manufacturing sectors. The indices will

Paolo Greco 07:01 2025-04-23 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview – April 23: The British Pound Can't Stop Smiling

On Tuesday, the GBP/USD currency pair traded much more calmly, yet again showed signs of a "maxed-out flat" pattern. As previously noted, the US dollar has only had two behaviors

Paolo Greco 04:56 2025-04-23 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview – April 23: Another Calm Before Another Collapse?

The EUR/USD currency pair traded more calmly on Tuesday than on Monday. The US dollar managed to avoid another fall, but it's too early to celebrate. The greenback can collapse

Paolo Greco 04:56 2025-04-23 UTC+2

USD/JPY. On the Threshold of the 139th Figure

The USD/JPY pair has been in a consistent downtrend for the fourth consecutive week. On Tuesday, sellers pushed the pair to the edge of the 139.00 area, hitting the lowest

Irina Manzenko 00:46 2025-04-23 UTC+2

The Dollar Has Been Replaced. Nature Abhors a Vacuum

Fear paralyzes, but action persists. Investors are slowly overcoming their concerns over Donald Trump's attacks on the independence of the Federal Reserve and are starting to lock in profits

Marek Petkovich 00:08 2025-04-23 UTC+2

Bitcoin Took Its Chance

Slow and steady wins the race! Bitcoin quietly broke through to its highest levels since early March amid Donald Trump's attacks on Jerome Powell. When the independence of the Federal

Marek Petkovich 00:08 2025-04-23 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.