Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is preparing to address the annual Jackson Hole, Wyoming, economic forum as the Trump administration pushes for an interest rate cut in September. Bill Watts, a markets editor for MarketWatch,

Lawrence G. McMillan is president of McMillan Analysis, a registered investment and commodity trading advisor. McMillan may hold positions in securities recommended in this report, both personally and in client accounts. He is an experienced trader and money manager and is the author of “Options as a Strategic Investment.” www.optionstrategist.com.

Historically, Powell’s remarks at Jackson Hole have triggered sharp market moves: hawkish tones have lifted the dollar and weighed on equities, while dovish guidance has sparked rallies in stocks and crypto.

Gold prices were steady on Thursday as investors awaited Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech at the Jackson Hole symposium on Friday for signals on the central bank's policy direction.

This week's set-piece event is the Jackson Hole central-bank gathering in Wyoming, slated for Thursday through Saturday. Investors will tune into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech for any hints on whether the central bank might kick off interest-rate cuts in September.

President Donald Trump resumed attacks on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, this time claiming he is hurting the housing industry with high rates.

By Elizabeth Howcroft PARIS (Reuters) -European stock markets fell slightly in early trading on Thursday, hovering just below recent highs, as traders avoided making big moves and waited for the Federal Reserve's three-day annual Jackson Hole symposium.