美联储深陷“通胀顽疾+经济阴云+政治风暴”三重困局

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve is facing a complex decision-making moment characterized by a "triple dilemma" involving a weakening labor market, persistent core inflation pressures, and increasing political interference from the White House [1] Economic Data Divergence - Recent economic data indicates a contradictory phase for the U.S. economy, with signs of a cooling labor market as initial jobless claims reach a three-month high and continued claims rise to a two-and-a-half-year peak [2] - The manufacturing PMI showed a temporary rebound due to a surge in new orders, but capacity utilization remains below long-term averages, reflecting pessimistic future demand expectations [2] - The quality and stability of new job positions are declining, despite the unemployment rate being at historical lows [2] Inflation Dynamics - Core CPI growth slowed to 3.2% year-on-year in July, yet wholesale prices have risen for three consecutive months, with the producer price index (PPI) recording its largest monthly increase in three years [3] - Service sector inflation, particularly in healthcare and education, accelerated to 4.1% [3] - Proposed tariffs of up to 300% on key sectors like semiconductors and pharmaceuticals are beginning to impact corporate costs, with some manufacturers experiencing cost increases of 2%-5% [3] Internal Policy Divisions - The Federal Reserve is experiencing increasing internal policy divisions, with hawkish members advocating for no rate cuts due to high inflation, while dovish members suggest preemptive rate cuts if labor market conditions worsen [4][5] - The debate reflects the Fed's struggle to balance its dual mandate of maximum employment and price stability, revealing limitations in its average inflation targeting framework [5] Market Expectations - The futures market indicates a 73.5% probability of a rate cut in September, with an expected cumulative cut of 47 basis points for the year, although this consensus is built on fragile foundations [6] - Despite weak employment data supporting rate cuts, the significant rise in wholesale prices has been largely overlooked by the market [6] Political Pressures - Political factors complicate the decision-making environment, with former President Trump pressuring the Fed for immediate rate cuts and criticizing Chair Powell for delayed actions [7] - Investigations into Fed Governor Lisa Cook by the Justice Department could further threaten the Fed's independence, especially if political appointments shift the board's balance [7] Jackson Hole Meeting - The upcoming Jackson Hole speech by Powell is anticipated to be a critical moment for policy direction, with expectations of a "fuzzy" strategy that acknowledges economic risks while emphasizing the need to monitor inflation [8] - The Fed's policy path will face tests related to tariff impacts, political pressures, and market expectations, with a likely approach of gradual rate cuts [8]