Jerome H. Powell said the “balance of risks” across the economy had started to shift, raising the odds the central bank lowers borrowing costs at its next meeting in September.

Powell delivered the guidance in a highly anticipated speech on Friday at the central bank's annual symposium in Jackson Hole, WY.

Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell signaled a possible interest rate cut in the months to come, sending stocks sharply higher.

Minutes after the speech, investors pegged the chances of a quarter-point interest rate cut at 91%, up from a 75% chance assessed one day earlier, according to CME FedWatch Tool, a measure of market sentiment. Despite the market's positive reaction to Powell's speech, the Fed chair voiced a note of caution for the outlook for the U.S. economy.

Powell’s speech comes amid unprecedented pressure from the White House aimed at getting the central bank to lower borrowing costs.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Friday opened the door ever so slightly to lowering a key interest rate in the coming months but gave no hint on the timing of a move and suggested the central bank will proceed cautiously as it continues to evaluate the impact of tariffs and other policies on the economy.