Washington D.C. – Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell testified on Capitol Hill for the second day, discussing the prospects of a March interest rate increase. However, Powell did not confirm the size of the rise, stating that “no call had been made yet.”
Powell’s comments caused a stir in the markets, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping by 500 points. But analysts are divided on the long-term impact of Powell’s testimony.
On one hand, CNN reports that the market volatility caused by Powell’s hawkish comments may be a good thing, because it strengthens the Fed’s reputation for transparency and independence.
On the other hand, Bloomberg notes that Powell’s testimony unleashed market volatility that was unsettling for investors.
Regardless of the market’s initial reaction, the Federal Reserve remains committed to maintaining a steady, consistent approach to interest rates with the primary goal of keeping inflation low and unemployment low.