Federal Reserve likely to raise interest rate 50 basis points in May: Jerome Powell

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said the central bank could raise the interest rate 50 basis points in May, to control inflation.

“It is appropriate in my view to be moving a little more quickly to raise interest rates,” Powell said during an International Monetary Fund panel.

“I also think there is something to be said for front-end loading any accommodation one thinks is appropriate. ... I would say 50 basis points will be on the table for the May meeting,” he added.

The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates 50 basis points in its upcoming meeting after inflation hit its highest in 40 years.

The central bank raised the interest rate by 25 basis points in March as some investors started to cut their holdings of assets.