Powell called the economy "strong overall" with a "solid" labor market and inflation that is easing but still above the Fed's 2% goal.

Powell was also asked about the high cost of home ownership and President Trump's trade policies, but as usual, the Fed chair tried to steer clear of politics.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the central bank doesn’t need to rush to adjust interest rates, again signaling that officials will be patient

U.S. consumer prices rose faster than expected in January in a sign progress on inflation may remain stalled, data showed on Wednesday, as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell heads to the U.S. Congress for a second day of testimony.