FOMC Statement & Probably Powell’s last Speech Today - 29 April 😰 FOMC day is here and while the rate decision is essentially a non event (100% price hold at 3.5-3.75%), the **volatility around the press conference is very real** ⏰ **Key Times (Eastern Time)** **• 2:00 PM —** FOMC Statement Released **• 2:30 PM —** Powell Press Conference Begin**s** Expect the biggest moves **between 2:00–3:30 PM ET** **Hawkish signals (could strengthen USD):** **•** Strong** **language on inflation being persistent **•** Pushing rate cut expectations further out **•** Acknowledging energy driven inflation as a long tern concern **Dovish signals (could weaken USD)** **•** Any softening on "higher for longer" language **•** Downgrading growth outlook due to geopolitical uncertainty **•** Powell signaling he expects cuts to resume before year end **Pairs I’m personally keeping an eye on** **• EURUSD -** Sitting at a key level, FOMC could decide next directional move **• XAUUSD (Gold) -** Already in a descending channel, a…