Featured Image

What Fed Chair Powell’s Address Means for Manufacturing

Today, Fed Chair Jerome Powell gave the most concrete signal yet that interest rate cuts are on the horizon at his Jackson Hole press conference. For manufacturers closely watching the developments and anticipating IMTS 2024, the outlook is promising.
Aug 23, 2024

DOWNLOAD FULL RELEASE.

McLean, Va. (August 23, 2024) — Today, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell gave the most concrete signal yet that interest rate cuts are on the horizon at his Jackson Hole press conference. For manufacturers and those in the industry closely watching the developments and anticipating IMTS 2024 – The International Manufacturing Technology Show, the outlook is promising.

“The increased likelihood of a September rate cut after Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole address will likely boost manufacturing technology orders through the remainder of 2024, further amplifying the residual effects of an IMTS show year,” says Christopher Chidzik, principal economist at AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. “With capacity utilization rates remaining at historically elevated levels in industrial sectors, additional investment in capital equipment will be necessary for manufacturers to address any sudden spikes in demand without a return of supply-side inflationary pressures.”

IMTS, the largest manufacturing technology trade show in the Western Hemisphere, will be held Sept. 9-14 at McCormick Place in Chicago. For more information and to register, visit IMTS.com.


About AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology represents U.S.-based providers of manufacturing technology – the advanced machinery, devices, and digital equipment that U.S. manufacturing relies on to be productive, innovative, and competitive. Located in McLean, Virginia, near the nation’s capital, AMT acts as the industry’s voice to speed the pace of innovation, increase global competitiveness, and develop manufacturing’s advanced workforce of tomorrow. With extensive expertise in industry data and intelligence, as well as a full complement of international business operations, AMT offers its members an unparalleled level of support. AMT also produces IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show, the premier manufacturing technology event in North America. AMTonline.org.

About IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show

IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show is where the creators, builders, sellers, and drivers of manufacturing technology come to connect and be inspired. Attendees discover advanced manufacturing solutions that include innovations in CNC machining, automation, robotics, additive, software, inspection, and transformative digital technologies that drive our future forward. Powered by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, IMTS is the largest manufacturing technology show and marketplace in the Western Hemisphere. With more than 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space, the show attracts visitors from more than 110 countries. IMTS 2022 had 86,307 registrants, featured 1,816 exhibiting companies, saw over 7,600 people attend educational events, and included a Student Summit that introduced the next generation to manufacturing. Be the change at IMTS 2024, Sept. 9-14, 2024. Inspiring the Extraordinary. IMTS.com.

PicturePicture
Author
Kristin Bartschi
Director, Marketing & Communications
Recent intelligence News
For the second meeting in a row, the Federal Reserve announced it will hold federal fund rates steady at a target range of 4.25% to 4.5%. Learn what this means for the producers and distributors of manufacturing technology.
New policies and bold predictions – what’s next for manufacturing in 2025? At AMT’s Winter Economic Forum, top economists and industry experts analyzed the economic outlook, policy shifts, and emerging trends shaping the industry’s future.
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released their first estimate of GDP for the fourth quarter of 2024. According to the first estimate, GDP grew 2.3% at an annualized rate. This was driven by strong consumer demand but held back by lagging investment.
Today the Federal Reserve announced they would hold benchmark rates at a target range of 4.25% to 4.50% in a widely anticipated move. This is the first meeting where the Fed held rates steady since they began to cut rates in September 2024.
Just as early humans’ original tools were constrained by their power sources, today’s modern technological advances are limited by their access to sufficient and reliable supplies of electricity.
Similar News
undefined
International
By Mike Lauer | Apr 22, 2025

Tariff challenges bring down Southeast Asia's manufacturing PMI to neutral levels. But sentiment for 2025 remains positive, as the region is an important, strategic trading partner for the United States. For more industry intel and other tidbits, read on.

5 min
undefined
Intelligence
By Catherine “Cat” Ross | Apr 16, 2025

Lumafield gets top startup nod. REGO-FIX opens new Center for Machining Excellence. Stratasys partners with aerospace giants. America Makes and SwRI launch AM-focused defense initiatives. Leadership updates and other news from Mazak, Starrett, and more.

5 min
undefined
International
By Edward Christopher | Apr 09, 2025

Here is a list of 2025 international trade shows you won't want to miss!

3 min