The central bank offiical endorses a patient approach on rate hikes, particularly considering "crosscurrents" that are building up for growth. » Read More
CEO sentiment has been balanced "between growth and efficiency initiatives" since the Federal Reserve said it would be patient, IBM CEO Ginni Rometty says.
Powell said the central bank is looking at a number of ways to help rural communities, with a particular focus on banking and finance for areas of need.
With the Federal Reserve pledging to be "patient" in future rate hikes, emerging markets could enjoy a turnaround this year, said Mary Nicola, a strategist at Eastspring Investments.
Canaccord Genuity's Tony Dwyer is predicting the S&P 500 will end the year 9 percent higher than Thursday's close. However, he expects stocks to drop around 3 percent first, and that will be the buying opportunity.