Fed’s Powell opens door to potential rate cuts at Jackson Hole
Investing.com -- Treasury yields fell sharply on Friday as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signaled that an interest rate cut may be coming to support the labor market.
In his speech at the Fed’s annual conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Powell stated that "the stability of the unemployment rate and other labor market measures allows us to proceed carefully as we consider changes to our policy stance."
The remarks triggered a rally in Treasury markets, with two-year yields dropping as much as 10 basis points. These shorter-term notes are typically more responsive to shifts in monetary policy expectations. Meanwhile, the benchmark 10-year yield declined to 4.25%, reaching its lowest level in a week.
Traders reacted by increasing bets on a September rate reduction, with markets now pricing in approximately an 85% probability of a quarter-point cut next month, up from about 65% before Powell’s speech.
Interest-rate swaps tied to Fed meeting dates now indicate expectations for two rate cuts before year-end. The central bank has maintained its policy rate in a range of 4.25% to 4.5% since December.