GLOBAL MARKETS-Stocks in Holding Pattern as Traders Await Powell Speech

GLOBAL MARKET - LONDON. Stocks were broadly flat on Friday as traders awaited a key speech from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the annual Jackson Hole symposium this weekend that could shed light on the future direction of monetary policy.

Powell's past speeches at the event have often moved markets, and this year's remarks are under particularly close scrutiny as his position has come under heavy criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, sparking concerns about potential threats to the Fed's independence.