Investors Look To Powells Jackson Hole Speech For Clues About Feds First Cut

## Fed Chair Powell's Jackson Hole Speech Set for Friday, Markets Await Guidance The Federal Reserve's annual Jackson Hole Economic Symposium is this week, and all eyes will be on Chair Jerome Powell's speech on Friday. ### Powell's Speech: A Chance for Guidance Markets are expecting Powell to provide clarity on the Fed's monetary policy path, particularly regarding the pace of interest rate hikes. ### Markets Predict Rate Cuts Markets currently predict between three and four 0.25 percentage point cuts this year from the current range of 2.25% to 2.50%. ### Powell's "Volcker Moment" Powell's speech comes after his widely-publicized "Volcker Moment" speech, in which he hinted at the Fed's willingness to take aggressive action to fight inflation, even if it comes at the expense of economic growth. ### Questions Powell May Answer * What is the Fed's current assessment of inflation? * What are the factors that will influence the pace of rate hikes? * How does the Fed balance its inflation goals with concerns about economic growth? ### Speech Details Powell's speech is scheduled to begin at 10:05 am Eastern on Friday. ### Past Jackson Hole Speeches Powell's 2018 "Guided by the Stars" speech is considered one of his most influential, and his upcoming address could have a similar impact on markets.