While markets rallied on the sentiment that the new policy would keep short-term rates anchored near zero well into the future, there also was plenty of skepticism that the Fed would be able to reach its goal.
The Federal Reserve announced a major policy shift Thursday, saying that it is willing to allow inflation to run hotter than normal in order to support the labor market and broader economy.
A second reading of the U.S. economy in the second quarter reflected the biggest quarterly plunge on record, though the plummet wasn't as bad as initially estimated.
With mounting concerns over mail-in voting, President Trump suggested delaying the election. Experts warn that a postponed election could lead to severe political chaos in Washington and an insurmountable impact on the U.S. economy and the stock market.
Homebuyers appear to have an insatiable appetite for new and existing homes, applying for mortgages at an incredible pace, according to a weekly measure of mortgage application volume.
Sales of newly built homes soared 36% annually across the nation in July, as pent-up demand from the shut-down spring market, combined with urban flight and a new desire for more work-at-home space fueled already strong demand.
Home prices rose 4.3% annually in June, unchanged from the gain seen in May, according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index.
Powell, who will speak Thursday during a virtual version of the Fed's annual Jackson Hole, Wyoming, conference, will outline what could be the central bank's most active efforts ever to spur inflation back to a healthy level.