美联储12月会议纪要显示降息意见分歧加大：一季度降息预期下降

Rate Decision Insights - The Federal Reserve's December FOMC minutes revealed a significant internal split, with a 9-3 vote to cut the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to a target range of 3.5%-3.75%[1] - The dissenting votes included two members advocating for no change and one member calling for a more aggressive 50 basis point cut[1] - The majority favored the rate cut due to increased downside risks to employment and stable inflation risks, suggesting further cuts may be appropriate if inflation trends downward[2] Economic Conditions - Overall PCE inflation and core PCE inflation both stood at 2.8%, with goods inflation influenced by tariffs and service inflation showing signs of moderation[2] - The unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.4%, indicating a softening labor market, while hiring activity remained weak[2] Market Expectations - Prior to the meeting, options markets anticipated a 25 basis point cut and projected two additional cuts in 2026[2] - Following the release of the minutes, equity markets experienced a slight decline, with traders increasing bets on a potential rate cut in April[4] Future Policy Guidance - All participants agreed that future policy decisions will depend on incoming data and evolving economic conditions, with no predetermined path[9] - The uncertainty surrounding the selection of the next Fed Chair adds additional variables to the Fed's independence and future policy direction[10]