Core Viewpoint - The current wait-and-see approach of the Federal Reserve is deemed reasonable due to the potential impacts of tariffs and the uncertainty surrounding the economic outlook [1][4]. Economic Outlook - The Federal Reserve decided to maintain the federal funds rate target range at 4.25%-4.5%, marking the third consecutive meeting without changes [2]. - Economic indicators show a divergence, with the first quarter of 2025 experiencing a contraction in GDP for the first time in three years, primarily due to businesses rushing to import goods to avoid tariffs [2]. - The unemployment rate remains low at 4.2%, indicating a resilient labor market that has yet to reflect the impacts of tariffs [2]. Inflation Concerns - Although CPI and PCE data have not yet shown upward trends, soft indicators such as consumer inflation expectations and price indices in manufacturing and services have significantly increased, indicating future inflation risks [3]. - The large-scale "reciprocal tariffs" announced by Trump have been paused for 90 days, but the outlook remains unclear, negatively affecting business and consumer confidence [3]. Federal Reserve's Strategy - Jerome Powell emphasized a "wait and see" approach, stating that the cost of waiting is currently the lowest, and highlighted the challenges posed by tariffs to the Fed's dual mandate of maximum employment and a 2% inflation target [3][4]. - The Fed's independence is under threat, with external pressures from the Trump administration potentially impacting the credibility of the dollar [4]. - Market expectations for the timing of the first rate cut have shifted from June to July, with projections for a total of three rate cuts remaining intact for the year [4].
交银国际：后续关税力度仍有较大概率放缓 美联储首次降息或将推迟到4季度