美联储半年度货币政策报告：劳动力市场已趋于平衡，重申继续观望，等待前景更明确

Labor Market - The U.S. unemployment rate in May was 4.2%, remaining stable and at historical lows since mid-last year [2] - Average monthly job additions in the first five months of the year were 124,000, down from 168,000 last year [2] - The employment cost index for private sector workers showed a 12-month increase of 3.4% as of March, down from a peak of 5.5% in mid-2022 [2] - Labor supply growth has slowed compared to previous years, with a notable decrease in immigration since mid-last year [2] Inflation Analysis - The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index rose by 2.1% year-over-year in April, down from 2.6% at the end of last year [3] - The core PCE price index, excluding food and energy, increased by 2.5% year-over-year in April, down from 2.9% at the end of last year [3] - Short-term inflation expectations have risen significantly this year, primarily due to tariff concerns, while most long-term inflation expectations remain consistent with the Fed's 2% target [3] Economic Activity - U.S. economic activity paused in the first quarter, with a real GDP annualized growth rate of -0.2%, largely due to a surge in imports ahead of anticipated tariff increases [4] - Consumer spending growth has slowed this year, with a real growth rate of approximately 1% in the first quarter, compared to robust growth rates of around 3% expected for 2023 and 2024 [5] Financial Market Conditions - Short- and medium-term nominal Treasury yields have moderately declined this year, reflecting a significant drop in real yields [6] - The market anticipates that the federal funds rate will decrease by over 100 basis points to 3.3% by the end of 2026 [6] - The overall financial system remains resilient despite significant volatility in April, with total debt of households and non-financial corporations continuing to decline as a percentage of GDP, now at the lowest level in 20 years [6] International Situation - Foreign economic activity is expected to moderately expand in the first quarter of 2025, supported by increased demand from U.S. importers ahead of anticipated tariff hikes [7] - Recent indicators show a slowdown in foreign growth, with many foreign economies experiencing significant declines in business conditions and confidence this year [7] Monetary Policy Outlook - The Fed continues to reduce its holdings of U.S. Treasury and agency mortgage-backed securities while slowing the pace of reductions to facilitate a smooth transition to ample reserve balances [9] - The Fed is committed to supporting full employment and returning inflation to the 2% target, carefully evaluating upcoming data and evolving risks when considering further adjustments to the federal funds rate [9] - The report indicates a cautious monetary policy stance by the Fed, balancing inflation pressures with the need to maintain labor market stability while monitoring uncertainties in domestic and international economic developments [9]