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Federal Reserve

Chairman Powell Transcript

February 5, 2018

CHAIRMAN POWELL: Hello. This is Jay Powell.
A short time ago, I took the oath of office to become Chairman of the Federal Reserve. I
am humbled and honored by this opportunity to serve the American people. And as I begin my
term, I want to stress my commitment to explaining what we’re doing and why we are doing it.
Congress has assigned the Federal Reserve several important jobs. We are tasked with
achieving stable prices and maximum employment. We also supervise financial institutions,
including our largest banks. We play a key role in ensuring the stability of our financial system,
and the integrity of our payment system.
Today, unemployment is low, the economy is growing, and inflation is low. Through our
decisions on monetary policy, we will support continued economic growth, a healthy job market,
and price stability.
I am also pleased to report that our financial system is now far stronger and more resilient
than it was before the financial crisis that began about a decade ago. We intend to keep it that
way.
My colleagues and I will remain vigilant, and we are prepared to respond to evolving
risks. We will also work hard to make sure that our regulation and supervision are efficient as
well as effective.
At the Federal Reserve, we know that our decisions matter for American households and
businesses. Our long-standing, non-partisan tradition is to make decisions objectively, based only
on the best available evidence.
My colleagues and I at the Federal Reserve will put everything we have into serving you
and our country with objectivity, independence, and integrity.
Thank you.