Policy Background and Core Dynamics - The Federal Reserve's interest rate cut expectations showed significant volatility, with the probability of a September rate cut dropping from 84% to 68% due to multiple factors, including diverging views among policymakers, mixed economic data, and external uncertainties [1][3]. Diverging Views Among Federal Reserve Officials - Dovish voices, such as Vice Chair Michelle Bowman, support three rate cuts within the year and urge for a September cut, arguing that tariff-driven inflation will not persist [3]. - Hawkish perspectives, represented by Atlanta Fed President Bostic, suggest only one more rate cut this year, emphasizing the need for more data [3]. Mixed Economic Data Signals - Inflation data showed mild results, with July CPI and core PCE data indicating resilience in service inflation and housing costs, raising concerns among officials about potential inflation rebounds [9]. - The labor market remains strong with low unemployment, but early indicators like reduced temporary hiring and shortened work hours suggest possible weakening [9]. - Retail sales increased by 0.5% month-over-month in July, indicating consumer resilience, although consumer confidence has declined due to inflation and unemployment concerns [9]. - Industrial production fell by 0.1% month-over-month in July, reflecting limited supply-side pressures but revealing weakening demand and trade policy impacts [9]. Market Predictions and Probability Changes - The probability of a 25 basis point rate cut in September decreased from 84% to 68%, while the probability of maintaining the current rate rose to 32% [9]. - For October, the cumulative probability of a 25 basis point cut is 48.8%, and for a 50 basis point cut, it is 51.5% [9]. - The decline in probabilities is attributed to hawkish statements from officials and concerns over resilient inflation, alongside uncertainties in the labor market and declining consumer confidence [9]. External Environment and Policy Challenges - The global economic environment is characterized by weak growth in Europe, geopolitical conflicts (e.g., Russia-Ukraine situation), and fluctuations in energy prices affecting the U.S. economic outlook [12]. - A strong dollar is suppressing export competitiveness but helps to mitigate import inflation [12]. - The Federal Reserve faces challenges in balancing a "higher for longer" interest rate policy with the goal of achieving a soft landing for the economy, with internal disagreements on the timing of rate cuts [12]. Conclusion and Future Outlook - The drop in September rate cut probability to 68% reflects mixed economic signals and diverging views among policymakers, with the market still anticipating rate cuts but requiring further data validation regarding timing and magnitude [15]. - Key observation points include upcoming CPI and PCE data for August, which could influence rate cut probabilities if inflation continues to ease [15]. - Labor market data will be critical; a significant rise in unemployment or a slowdown in hiring plans could prompt rate cuts [16]. - Statements from Powell and other policy signals during the global central bank meeting in August will provide important insights [16].
美联储降息预期降温及9月降息概率回落分析
Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-08-23 08:22