Powell: Best way to help housing is restoring price stability and supporting a strong labor market

Economic Outlook - The economy is growing, with unemployment at 42% [3] - The economy is growing at an estimated rate of 15% to 2% [3] - Sentiment has increased from very low levels, but remains depressed [3][4] - The current monetary policy allows for timely responses to economic changes, with careful monitoring of data [7] Inflation & Tariffs - Inflation has cooled to roughly 2% despite tariffs [1] - There are concerns that tariffs could lead to demand destruction and slower growth, potentially keeping inflation low [7] - The likelihood of lower inflation due to tariffs is uncertain, requiring several months of cool inflation data to confirm [7] Housing Market - The housing market faces both short-term and long-term challenges, including a housing shortage and high rates [4] - Restoring price stability and maintaining a strong labor market are seen as the best approaches to support the housing market [5] Job Market - Overall labor force participation, wages, and job creation are at healthy levels [5] - There may be a very slow, continued cooling in the job market, but it is not currently troubling [6] Monetary Policy & Rate Paths - Rate paths are data-dependent and subject to high uncertainty [9][10] - Rate paths involving cuts suggest an expectation that cuts will become appropriate [9]