In a widely anticipated move, the Fed cut interest rates by 25 basis points, bringing the target range to 4.50%-4.75%. The unanimous decision by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) was the second rate cut in recent months.
Nick Timiraos, often referred to as the “Fed spokesman,” said the FOMC's statement was largely unchanged, reflecting cautious optimism but no major shift in policy direction. Timiraos said the decision was unanimous, indicating harmony among committee members.
Analyst Jeanna Smialek noted that the Fed has maintained its neutrality, especially after this week’s US elections. “The Fed is independent of politics and tries to avoid getting involved in important partisan moments,” Smialek said. Smialek also noted that Fed Chair Michelle Bowman, who had previously opposed the rate cut on the grounds that it was too large, voted in favor of the move.
The Fed's statement also received minor adjustments, according to Reuters' media outlet IFR. The Fed maintained a generally cautious economic outlook, but specifically omitted a line expressing confidence that inflation was steadily approaching its 2% target.
Analyst Chris Anstey observed that the Fed's statements provided limited new information, particularly on the labor market. “The statements didn't give us a lot of new signals,” Anstey said, adding that Fed Chair Jerome Powell could provide clarity at his upcoming press conference.
Former Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Richard Clarida said Powell's Fed would maintain its current course regardless of external events. Financial conditions could influence policy, but day-to-day fluctuations were unlikely to lead to significant changes, Clarida said.
*This is not investment advice.