U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell¡¯s reassuring message following the central bank¡¯s monetary policy meeting may not calm frazzled U.S. stock and bond investors, as uncertainty over the path of inflation intensifies the focus on upcoming data.

Though Powell on Wednesday acknowledged a lack of recent progress in the Fed¡¯s battle against rising consumer prices, he reiterated the view that interest rates are likely headed lower this year.

That was a relief for those worried the Fed could be eyeing more rate increases after three straight months of stronger-than-expected inflation.