中金：美联储降息节奏可能放缓 不宜抱过度乐观预期

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve is expected to lower interest rates by 25 basis points in October, but Chairman Powell's comments indicate a hawkish stance, suggesting that a rate cut in December is not guaranteed. This reflects a growing internal consensus within the Fed to pause rate cuts [1]. Group 1: Interest Rate Outlook - The Fed has the potential for further easing, but the pace of rate cuts may slow down, and overly optimistic expectations should be avoided [1]. - The current round of rate cuts may have a weaker stimulative effect compared to previous cycles, primarily due to a diminished refinancing effect [1]. - The Fed plans to end quantitative tightening (QT) in December, which is viewed as a technical decision rather than a significant policy shift [1]. Group 2: Future Rate Cut Projections - Under normal circumstances, the Fed has room for three more rate cuts, which would correspond to long-term interest rates of 3.8-4.0% [1]. - The current difference between actual rates and natural rates is 0.8%, and three additional cuts of 25 basis points could align financing costs with investment returns, leading to a nominal neutral rate of 3.5% [1]. - Assuming a term premium of 30-50 basis points, the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield would be projected at 3.8-4.0% [1]. Group 3: Influencing Factors - The short-term path for rate cuts will depend on factors such as the resolution of government shutdowns and the release of new employment data, as well as inflation trends [1]. - The independence of the new Federal Reserve Chair and the Fed's autonomy will be significant variables affecting the rate cut trajectory in 2026, potentially increasing policy uncertainty [1].