***Fed's Powell is due to begin testimony at....>

FED: ***Fed's Powell is due to begin testimony at 1445GMT/0945ET. His

introductory statement is already available on the Fed's website and gives away

little that is market-moving. Below are bank expectations for the confirmation

hearing:

- Andreas Steno Larsen at Nordea "We expect Powell to stress continuity with the

current policy of gradually normalising interest rates and the Fed's balance

sheet."

- Peter Chatwell at Mizuho "On balance we view the hearing as a hawkish risk, as

rates markets have taken the view that his policy will be a continuation of the

Yellen-led Fed. As a result, we see little risk for Powell to surprise on the

dovish side."

- Priya Misra at TD Securities "While we don't expect any fireworks at

-particularly if Powell deviates from current Fed communication. These include

the outlook for inflation and rate hikes in 2018, longer-run policy, financial

stability and deregulation."