Even if economic indicators continue to recommend a rate reduction, central bankers won't want to spark a sense of panic in the markets.

Although U.S. interest rates are sitting at 23-year highs, the pockets of pain they are causing are nothing like the systemic problems that so often wrecked expansions in the past.

FOMC officials believe interest rate policy is "well-positioned" but mentioned a willingness to tighten further if warranted.

In remarks following today's FOMC meeting, Powell did not comment on whether rate cuts are likely this year, something he has said after prior meetings.

Powell's remarks indicate that any reductions in 2024 may come relatively late in the year, if at all.

As markets prepare for interest-rate reductions in early 2024, the president of the Atlanta Fed said he expects cutting to begin in the third quarter, at the earliest.

The central bank plans to move carefully, addressing both the risk of being misled by a few good months of data and the risk of overtightening.

"We will continue to move carefully, however, allowing us to address both the risk of being misled by a few good months of data and the risk of overtightening."