Analyst: Powell's Forward Guidance May Be Limited, Future Actions Should Be Monitored
April 30th — Markets widely expect the Federal Reserve to hold interest rates steady at its meeting today, shifting focus to Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s next step: will he stay on or depart the central bank as his term ends on May 15th?
Some analysts note that, regardless of Powell’s personal intentions, his forward policy guidance at what’s likely his final press conference as chair will be limited — given Kevin Warsh is favored to be confirmed as his successor.
They add Powell is expected to take a reflective tone about his tenure: he leaves behind a strong economy, but inflation remains well short of the Fed’s 2% target. With U.S.-Iran peace talks stalled and a long-term blockade of the Strait of Hormuz now looking like the new normal, the FOMC’s commitment to holding rates unchanged has only grown stronger.
(FXStreet)
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Putin Talks to Trump, Proposes Iran Nuclear Deal
**Putin, Trump Hold 1.5+ Hour Phone Call to Discuss Iran, Ukraine, Cooperation**
On April 30, the Kremlin announced Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone call lasting more than 1.5 hours in a friendly atmosphere.
The pair discussed the Iran issue: Putin offered proposals on Iran’s nuclear program, and he expressed support for Trump’s decision to extend the Iran truce.
They also touched on possible economic and energy cooperation. Putin proposed a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire for the May 9 Victory Day celebrations, to which Trump responded positively. Trump noted a deal to end the Ukraine conflict was imminent.
Additionally, Putin condemned the recent assassination attempt on U.S. President Trump.
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Major Investment Banks Look Ahead to Fed Rate Decision: Widely Expected to Stay Put, Focus on Whether Milan Continues "Rate Cut Path"
April 30 — Several Wall Street firms shared their outlooks on the Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate decision. Most investment banks expect the Fed to hold rates steady, with markets focused on Fed Governor Milan’s stance on future rate cuts.
JPMorgan Chase forecasts a 11-1 vote, with Milan casting the sole dissent in favor of a rate cut. Meanwhile, MUFG Bank believes Milan may walk back his prior rate-cut position.
Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Natixis and other institutions broadly expect limited policy changes at this meeting—since the Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) and dot plot will not be released. The Fed may acknowledge improved employment and rising inflation in its statement, but overall policy guidance is not seen shifting significantly.
Deutsche Bank, however, argues the Fed could remove the phrase “further rate adjustments” from its statement to leave room for future rate hikes. UBS expects the statement may strengthen the narrative that inflation is dr
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Major Institutions Anticipate Powell Press Conference: Market Cautious of Hawkish Risks, Emphasizing "Wait-and-See Attitude"
On April 30, several institutions released outlooks on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s upcoming press conference. Most see the Fed maintaining a cautious near-term stance amid improved employment and lingering inflation pressures, with an overall hawkish risk tone.
- **Citi & JPMorgan**: Powell may acknowledge labor market gains while stressing PCE inflation resilience. Upside risks from energy prices and Iran’s situation tilt the Fed toward a “wait-and-see” policy.
- **BNP Paribas**: With inflation risks unresolved, Powell is unlikely to proactively lay groundwork for rate cuts before his successor takes office.
- **MUFG**: If the FOMC statement does not strengthen inflation risk language, Powell may signal a more hawkish tone at the press conference.
- **Wells Fargo**: Powell is expected to focus on high uncertainty from the Iran conflict and its impact on the Fed’s dual mandate, noting the current policy framework supports ongoing data monitoring.
- **Danske Bank**:
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Rate Decision Preview: Market Focused on Milan Vote and Powell's 'Hawkish Risk'
April 30: Markets widely expect the Federal Reserve to hold interest rates steady, but the statement’s wording and policy signals from Powell’s press conference remain key focus areas.
For the policy statement, the FOMC is anticipated to vote 11-1 to keep rates unchanged, with Mester possibly the sole dissenter backing a rate cut. That said, it’s not out of the question she could drop her rate-cut push and join a unanimous decision.
The Fed may also tweak its labor market characterization to reflect hiring remains weak but overall employment is stabilizing. It could reassess language on the Middle East and potentially remove the phrase “further interest rate adjustments,” preserving more flexibility for future policy moves.
Powell’s press conference carries “hawkish risks,” per institutional views. He’s expected to keep emphasizing inflation resilience, policy uncertainty, and the need for patience. He may also note rising energy prices will slow the pace of rate cuts.
Mark
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