Jackson Hole - When and Where to Watch

Often regarded as the Fed’s most important annual gathering, the Kansas City Fed’s Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium runs Thursday to Saturday, 21–23 August (US time). This year’s theme, “Labor Markets in Transition: Demographics, Productivity, and Macroeconomic Policy,” signals a focus on long-term structural forces shaping policy. Now in its 48th year, the event draws central bankers, academics, and key market participants to Wyoming.

Remember, gold and silver trading halts over the weekend. Depending on what emerges from Jackson Hole, this could present a buying opportunity—either ahead of a potential surge or on any dip following Monday’s open.

Markets are bracing for how the Fed signals its next steps. Pre-event commentary suggests Chair Jerome Powell may shift the focus back to price stability, following the more flexible post-2020 stance that struggled amid inflation pressures. Any hint on the rate path is likely to reverberate across bonds, equities, the USD, and gold.

Key times in AEST:

• Agenda release: Friday, 22 August at 10:00 a.m. AEST (Thu 8:00 p.m. EDT / 6:00 p.m. MDT)
• Powell’s keynote: Livestreamed on the Kansas City Fed’s YouTube channel, Saturday, 23 August at 12:00 a.m. AEST (midnight)
• Other central bankers: ECB President Christine Lagarde is listed for a Saturday panel on labour market transitions. While timing is unconfirmed, expect headlines late Saturday night or early Sunday AEST.

What investors should watch for

Tone will be everything. If Powell leans cautious about cutting too soon, front-end yields could rise, and risk assets might retreat. A clearer nod toward easing would likely have the opposite effect. For precious metals, any signal that cuts are nearing and inflation is tamed could fuel another upward leg.

Also worth noting is how the Fed frames its trade-offs. Investors will be listening closely for language around the inflation–employment balance.

Finally, with global leaders in attendance, watch for signs of coordinated thinking—particularly on structural challenges like productivity, demographics, and tariff-related inflation.