The Fed Cuts Again, but the Divide Is Growing

Attention is increasingly shifting from current policy to what the Fed may look like by mid-2026. Kevin Hassett remains the leading candidate to succeed Chair Jerome Powell and has consistently argued that policy rates below 3% are reasonable over the long term. Should he be appointed—and if other board changes tilt dovish—Fed leadership could move decisively toward a growth-first stance. At the same time, disinflationary pressures are becoming clearer. Energy prices are easing, rent inflation is slowing, a ...