Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole address today: Know timing, themes, and what’s at stake

Powell has consistently pointed to the unemployment rate as the most reliable measure of labor conditions

Jerome Powell, US Federal Reserve Chair, will take the stage today, August 22, at the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium to deliver what will be his final speech at the influential conference before his term ends in May 2026.

Since its inception in 1978, the annual symposium—organised by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City—has grown into a premier forum for shaping global monetary policy. The 2025 edition comes at a moment of heightened uncertainty, with U.S. trade tariffs adding new pressures to the world economy.

Discussions this year will revolve around inflation, employment, and the direction of U.S. monetary policy. Investors are particularly focused on Powell’s remarks for clues about whether the Fed might consider a rate cut at its September 16–17 meeting. In past years, his Jackson Hole comments have had an immediate impact on bond yields, Reuters noted.

Date and Time

Powell is scheduled to speak Friday morning (local time in Wyoming). In India, the speech will be streamed live at 7:30 p.m. IST on August 22 via the U.S. Federal Reserve’s official YouTube and social media channels.

What to Watch For

The theme of this year’s symposium is “Labor Markets in Transition: Demographics, Productivity, and Macroeconomic Policy.” Powell has consistently pointed to the unemployment rate as the most reliable measure of labor conditions, and analysts expect him to stay focused on jobs and inflation.

According to UBS economists quoted by Reuters, Powell could drop subtle hints about a possible rate cut but may also use the occasion to defend his record as Fed Chair. Given this is his last Jackson Hole appearance, the speech is also likely to serve as a capstone to his tenure—much like his predecessors who used the platform to define their legacy, especially under the shadow of political pressure for looser policy.