Fed chair powell speech takes center stage on friday

As traders approach another pivotal day for financial markets, a series of crucial decisions and economic data releases that could sway market dynamics are expected on Friday, August 22, 2025. The spotlight will be on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech, which is anticipated to provide insights into future monetary policy direction and potentially influence market sentiment.

Major Economic Events to Watch

• 10:00 AM ET - Fed Chair Powell Speaks: Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is scheduled to deliver a speech, which could offer hints about future monetary policy decisions.

Other Important Economic Events to Watch

• All Day - Jackson Hole Symposium: This annual economic policy symposium brings together central bankers, finance ministers, academics, and financial market participants from around the world.

• 1:00 PM ET - Baker Hughes (NASDAQ:BKR) U.S. Rig Count: A key indicator of demand for oil products in the drilling industry. Previous count: 412.

• 1:00 PM ET - U.S. Baker Hughes Total (EPA:TTEF) Rig Count: Provides a comprehensive view of drilling activity across the United States. Previous count: 539.

• 3:30 PM ET - CFTC S&P 500 speculative positions: Offers insight into market sentiment for the S&P 500 index. Previous: -139.6K.

• 3:30 PM ET - CFTC Nasdaq 100 speculative positions: Indicates speculative interest in the Nasdaq 100 index. Previous: 33.8K.

• 3:30 PM ET - CFTC Gold speculative positions: Reflects speculative interest in the gold market. Previous: 229.5K.

• 3:30 PM ET - CFTC Crude Oil speculative positions: Shows speculative interest in the crude oil market. Previous: 116.7K.

Other Economic Events to Watch

• 3:30 PM ET - CFTC Aluminium speculative net positions: Indicates speculative interest in the aluminium market. Previous: 1.1K.

• 3:30 PM ET - CFTC Copper speculative positions: Reflects speculative interest in the copper market. Previous: 28.2K.

• 3:30 PM ET - CFTC Silver speculative positions: Shows speculative interest in the silver market. Previous: 44.3K.

• 3:30 PM ET - CFTC Natural Gas speculative positions: Indicates speculative interest in the natural gas market. Previous: -97.0K.

• 3:30 PM ET - CFTC Wheat speculative positions: Reflects speculative interest in the wheat market. Previous: -89.0K.

• 3:30 PM ET - CFTC Corn speculative positions: Shows speculative interest in the corn market. Previous: -133.2K.

• 3:30 PM ET - CFTC Soybeans speculative positions: Indicates speculative interest in the soybean market. Previous: -15.6K.

For further information and the latest updates, please refer to our Economic Calendar, here.

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