Fed's Powell: 'Pain' of tight policy, slow growth needed 'for some time' to beat inflation

The U.S. economy will need tight monetary policy "for some time" before inflation is under control, a fact that means slower growth, a weaker job market and "some pain" for households and businesses, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said on Friday in remarks warning there is no quick cure for fast rising prices.

"Reducing inflation is likely to require a sustained period of below-trend growth. Moreover, there will very likely be some softening of labor market conditions. While higher interest rates, slower growth, and softer labor market conditions will bring down inflation, they will also bring some pain to households and businesses," Powell said in prepared remarks for a speech to the Jackson Hole central banking conference in Wyoming.

"These are the unfortunate costs of reducing inflation. But a failure to restore price stability would mean far greater pain."