Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated in his August press conference that it is time for the central bank to consider cutting interest rates, marking a significant shift in policy. The move is driven by concerns over slowing economic growth and global trade tensions, particularly with China. Powell emphasized that while the U.S. economy remains strong, these external pressures necessitate a proactive approach to maintain stability. This potential rate cut would be the first since the 2008 financial crisis, reflecting a cautious outlook on the future economic landscape.