Jerome Powell

In his first press conference as chair following a Federal Open Market Committee Jerome Powell stressed that “one decision” was made at the meeting: raising rates 25 basis points to a 1.5% to 1.75% target range.

The Federal Open Market Committee raised the federal funds rate target to a 1.50% to 1.75% range, as expected, while the Summary of Economic Projections still calls for three hikes this year.

The municipal bond market will focus more on the Summary of Economic Projections and the press conference, with a rate hike assumed.

Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell seemed to counteract his earlier statement, which suggested the chance for four rate hikes in 2018.

Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell refused to comment on his views on the number of times the Federal Open Market Committee will raise rates this year, although he admitted his “outlook has strengthened since December.”

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said the central bank can continue gradually raising interest rates as the outlook for growth remains strong, and the recent bout of financial volatility shouldn’t weigh on the U.S. economy.

With the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy report sticking to the policies professed in its latest post-meeting statement, markets will look to the question and answer sessions Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell will face from Congress next week.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said the U.S. central bank had made great progress in its pursuit of full employment and stable prices but was on the lookout for threats to the economy amid turmoil in financial markets.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell emphasized a commitment to better communication with the public.

Federal Reserve Governor Jerome Powell was confirmed with broad bipartisan support in the Senate to take the helm of the U.S. central bank when Chair Janet Yellen’s term ends Feb. 3.