Federal Reserve Watch for March 30: Powell Says Inflation Expectations Remain Well-Anchored, Will Keep Monitoring

02:31 PM EDT, 03/30/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Fed Chair Jerome Powell (voter) said that inflation expectations remain well anchored after an expected short-term price shock from the conflict in Iran and that the FOMC has time to see if that is the case before incorporating it into policy making.

Powell added that the FOMC needs to act independent of political forces and focus on inflation expectations as the FOMC lacks the tools to deal with short-term shocks.

Recent comments of note:

(March 27) Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin (nonvoter) said that uncertainty remains, intensified by the conflict in Iran, making it appropriate for the FOMC to hold its policy rate steady at its most recent meeting.

(March 26) Fed Governor Michael Barr (voter) said that the conflict in Iraq could boost inflation and suggested that the FOMC should keep policy changes on hold until it can determine the impact on prices.

(March 26) Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson (voter) said that he believes the conflict in Iran will accelerate inflation but said that monetary policy is well positioned to deal with any scenario.

(March 26) Fed Governor Lisa Cook (voter) that inflation is now a larger concern than employment due to the conflict in Iran.

(March 26) Fed Governor Stephen Miran (voter) said that the Fed should reduce the size of its balance sheet but cautioned that the process will take time.

(March 25) Fed Governor Stephen Miran (voter) said that the job market remains his main concern, adding that any increase in prices due to the conflict in Iran is likely to be temporary and should be looked past when making policy decisions.

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