Fed’s Jerome Powell: “The Economy Seems to be Healthy” despite negative sentiment

Rural towns across the U.S. have seen sluggish economies over the last year, with plenty of ups and downs.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell acknowledged a decline in sentiment but assures everyone the economy is on the right track.

“The economy seems to be healthy. We understand that sentiment is quite negative at this time, and that probably has to do with turmoil at the beginning of an Administration that’s making big changes in areas of policy. That’s probably part of it. I do think the underlying unhappiness people have about the economy, though, is more of the price level.”

This week, Powell announced interest rates would be holding steady for now. Inflation reports earlier this month showed promising news. Both measures of inflation came in below analyst expectations, and despite those signs, inputs are expected to remain elevated this year.

Related Stories
With China’s pullback, U.S. sorghum producers must broaden their export markets. Building connections now could help stabilize prices and demand for the upcoming larger crop.
Higher domestic rail tariffs and mixed capacity shifts will influence grain movement this harvest. Strong corn exports provide momentum, but logistics costs remain a critical factor.
Sergio Bortolozzo, President of the Brazilian Rural Society, discusses the importance of global collaboration and innovation in empowering women in the agricultural sector.
Malone, Senior Director of Trade Execution at Bunge, emphasized the importance of spaces where women can engage in meaningful conversations about global trade, supply chains, and leadership opportunities.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has until October 12 to sign a bill passed by the California state legislature allowing E15 sales.
Livestock and government payments provide a boost, but crop receipts and rising expenses keep pressure on margins. Strong financial planning remains key in a volatile environment.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

While artificial intelligence, or AI, is reshaping both jobs and messaging in agriculture, CoBank data suggests human expertise still matters.
Bubba and Amy Miller run Miller Cattle Company in Eros, Louisiana. After visiting other homesteading fairs, they decided to put on their own.
The new AFBF Women in Agriculture survey is accepting responses from women in the industry across the United States now through March 31.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) representative Dr. Dirac Twidwell joins us with the latest on woody encroachment conservation efforts in the Great Plains.
After years of battling misinformation online, Potatoes USA is using artificial intelligence to monitor and respond to false claims about the industry.
We highlight an Iowa FFA student who is harnessing the power of AI technology to assess stress in agriculture-related careers.