Powell has said the Fed’s cautious strategy this year stems from uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s fast-changing tariff policies and stubborn inflation rates. The job market, meanwhile, has had a rocky 2025.
Business Insider has heard from frustrated job seekers at all levels of the career ladder, particularly those feeling pushed out of white collar roles. This past summer, the number of Americans looking for work eclipsed the number of vacancies, though the unemployment rate itself is still relatively low.
Powell has said the Fed’s cautious strategy this year stems from uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s fast-changing tariff policies and stubborn inflation rates. The job market, meanwhile, has had a rocky 2025.
Business Insider has heard from frustrated job seekers at all levels of the career ladder, particularly those feeling pushed out of white collar roles. This past summer, the number of Americans looking for work eclipsed the number of vacancies, though the unemployment rate itself is still relatively low.
There is no risk-free path for policyJerome Powell
“There is no risk-free path for policy as we navigate this tension between our employment and inflation goals,” Powell said in October, adding, “Ultimately, lower rates will support more demand, and that’ll support hiring over time. And, of course, we also have to be careful about this.”
