Powell says Fed Reserve will act as needed in response to coronavirus

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Friday said the US economy remains in solid condition although the coronavirus outbreak poses a risk and the central bank will act as appropriate to provide support.

“The fundamentals of the US economy remain strong,” Powell said in a statement released amid an ongoing sell-off in global stock markets. “However, the coronavirus poses evolving risks to economic activity. The Federal Reserve is closely monitoring developments and their implications for the economic outlook. We will use our tools and act as appropriate to support the economy.”