Highlights from Chairman Jerome Powell's press conference following the January Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting

1. Dovish remarks, "Concerned about negative economic impact of delaying rate cuts".
   "Cutting the federal funds rate too late could unduly weaken the economy. Conversely, cutting rates too soon risks reversing the moderation in inflation. We are confident about economic conditions and inflation, but we need more data and evidence. There have been some good data points over the past six months that show inflation easing."
2. Dovish comments followed, "Most FOMC members agree to cut rates this year"
   "A majority of FOMC members believe that it is appropriate to lower rates this year. Inflation has fallen sharply over the past 12 months and is expected to continue to decline. If the labor market shows unexpected weakness, we could lower rates sooner.
3. Dovish comments again, "No rate cut at this FOMC meeting"
   "There were no rate cut comments at this meeting, and we are not actively considering a rate cut."
4. Strongly Hawkish Comments "March Rate Cut Unlikely"
   "Based on the outcome of today's meeting, a March rate cut is unlikely."

As most analysts and channels recognized, the January rate hike was confirmed as a hold, but Powell's comments leaving the door wide open for a March rate hike sent markets into a tailspin, with major investment instruments falling.