When Jerome Powell, the man at the helm of the Federal Reserve, takes center stage in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, this Friday, the financial world will tune in with bated breath. Given the significant market moves triggered by his previous addresses, all eyes and ears will be on him, especially when the topic is as weighty as “Structural Shifts in the Global Economy.”

Last year at this very symposium, Powell’s emphasis on the persistent inflationary pressures led the Fed on a series of rate hikes. The objective? Cool down an economy that seemed to be running a little too hot. And, to some extent, the strategy seemed to work, with inflation retreating from its high perch of 9% to a more modest 3%.

However, as any astute investor knows, the economy is a complex beast. Despite the Federal Reserve’s rate hikes – 11 in total – the labor market remains sizzling. This week, bond yields have been flirting with multiyear highs, causing some discomfort among equity investors.

But, as August witnessed stock market doldrums, the key question on the collective mind of Wall Street remains: For how long will these elevated interest rates persist?

Though the theme of the banking summit might suggest otherwise, it’s unlikely that Powell will spill the beans on the Federal Reserve’s next moves. As strategists at Goldman Sachs noted, while the expectation is that the FOMC may pass on a rate hike in September, they will likely want to digest fresh economic data before they chart their next course.

However, if history is anything to go by, there could be some optimism in store. Last year, Powell’s stern inflationary warnings saw markets dip, but the aftermath of Jackson Hole has typically been more bullish. Tom Lee from Fundstrat speculates that Powell might adopt a slightly dovish tone, perhaps to avoid the market turmoil seen in February 2023. The focus could shift to the high probability of avoiding a recession, sparking hope among traders.

Another factor to consider is the global economic picture. With China’s economic trajectory not rebounding as expected and geopolitical concerns like the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine influencing commodity markets, Powell might touch upon the shifting global economic dynamics.

Ned Davis Research suggests that we might hear about a shift towards reducing dependency on nations like China and Russia, implying a longer-term view on inflation. In the same vein, questions arise about whether the longstanding 2% inflation target is still a fitting benchmark for developed economies.

While predictions abound, only time will tell what Powell’s actual narrative will be. Yet, one thing’s for sure: come Friday, Wall Street will be all ears.