Fed's Powell clarifies dissenting vote was not in favor of rate hike

U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell clarified at a press conference on April 29 that a dissenting vote at the recent monetary policy meeting against maintaining the statement's easing stance did not signify a preference for a rate hike. Powell explained that the discussion was not about whether rates should be raised, but rather about whether the Fed should adopt a more neutral position on its policy outlook.