The Fed has two main objectives: maintain maximum employment and contain inflation. Although one single data point is never decisive, when inflation is high, the Fed generally raises interest rates to slow demand. When the unemployment rate is high, the Fed often lowers interest rates to stimulate consumer activity.

Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Susan Collins said a December interest-rate cut remains on the table, emphasizing the central bank’s decision will be guided by incoming data.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Thursday that interest rates are still expected to decline further, but suggested they might not be that much lower over the next few months.

Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Susan Collins said Friday she wants to see more data before deciding whether the central bank should cut rates again at its policy meeting next month.

A strong economy is giving Federal Reserve officials room to move “carefully” as they lower interest rates, the central bank chair said.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the recent performance of the US economy has been “remarkably good,” giving central bankers room to lower interest rates at a careful pace.

U.S. stock index futures fell on Friday after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said there was no need to reduce interest rates in a hurry, pushing up bond yields and pressuring rate-sensitive equities.