Fed minutes show officials were in tight split over December rate cut

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve has decided to lower interest rates by a quarter percentage point, reflecting a divided opinion among officials regarding the balance between supporting the labor market and managing inflation concerns [2][5]. Group 1: Interest Rate Decision - The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted 9-3 to cut the key funds rate to a range of 3.5%-3.75%, marking the most dissent since 2019 [2][5]. - Some officials indicated that further cuts may be appropriate if inflation decreases as expected, but there are concerns about the aggressiveness of future adjustments [3][4]. Group 2: Economic Outlook - Officials expressed confidence in moderate economic expansion but noted downside risks to employment and upside risks to inflation, leading to a divided perspective among policymakers [5]. - The committee anticipates another rate cut in 2026 and potentially one more in 2027, bringing the funds rate down to near 3%, which is considered neutral for economic growth [7]. Group 3: Inflation and Economic Data - There are concerns that progress towards the 2% inflation target has stalled, with some officials attributing inflationary pressures to President Trump's tariffs, although they expect these effects to be temporary [8]. - Recent economic reports indicate a slow labor market with hiring remaining sluggish, while inflation is easing but still distant from the Fed's target [9]. Group 4: Policy Changes and Future Actions - The FOMC has resumed its bond-buying program, acquiring $40 billion a month in short-term Treasury bills to alleviate pressures in short-term funding markets [13]. - The committee noted that without the resumption of this quantitative easing program, there could be significant declines in reserves, potentially falling below the Fed's "ample" regime for the banking system [14].