Powell: If we don't see inflation progress, won't see rate cut

POWELL: IMPLICATIONS OF MIDDLE EAST DEVELOPMENTS UNCERTAIN Fed's Powell: Consumer spending is resliient. *POWELL: NEAR-TERM INFLATION EXPECTATIONS ARE UP IN RECENT WEEKS *POWELL: UNEMPLOYMENT RATE HAS CHANGED LITTLE SINCE LAST SUMMER POWELL: ESTIMATE FEB PCE INFLATION 2.8%, CORE PCE AT 3.0%

Fed's Powell: We're very strongly committed to keeping inflation expectations anchored at 2%. *POWELL: FED IS IN DIFFICULT SITUATION, NEEDS TO BALANCE RISKS POWELL: WHERE POLICY IS NOW IS THE RIGHT PLACE TO BE Fed's Powell: We don't want too restrictive a policy because of downside labor market risks. Fed's Powell: It is frustrating that non-housing services inflation hasn't come down.

FED'S POWELL: I HAVE NO INTENTION OF LEAVING THE FED BOARD UNTIL THE DOJ PROBE IS OVER. FED'S POWELL: IF NO FED CHAIR IS CONFIRMED BY THE END OF MY TERM, I WOULD SERVE AS CHAIR PRO TEM. - FINANCIALJUICE ... *POWELL: LABOR MARKET DOES HAVE A FEEL OF DOWNSIDE RISK *POWELL: A GOOD NUMBER ARE CONCERNED ABOUT LOW JOB CREATION Fed's Powell: A zero employment growth equilibrium is balanced, but it has the feel of a downside risk. *POWELL: THIS ENERGY SUPPLY SHOCK IS A ONE-TIME THING FED'S POWELL: NOT LEAVING BOARD UNTIL DOJ PROBE IS "WELL AND TRULY OVER"; NO DECISION YET ON STAYING IF PROBE CONCLUDES; WILL DO WHAT'S BEST FOR FED AND THE PEOPLE WE SERVE ...