During a press conference on December 10, 2025, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell discussed the current economic landscape, emphasizing efforts to fulfill the dual mandate of maximum employment and stable prices. In response to mixed economic signals, the Federal Open Market Committee decided to lower the policy interest rate by ¼ percentage point and initiate purchases of shorter-term Treasury securities to ensure ample reserves. While the labor market shows signs of cooling with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, inflation remains elevated but is projected to ease as tariffs dissipate. GDP growth is forecasted at 1.7% for 2025 and 2.3% for 2026. Powell highlighted the delicate balance of risks between employment and inflation, indicating a cautious approach for future rate decisions. The committee's consensus emphasized the need for ongoing evaluation of economic data to guide policy, with attention to the effects of technology and productivity on economic dynamics.