【广发宏观陈嘉荔】美联储减缓QT，美股有所反弹

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve's March 2025 FOMC meeting resulted in a unanimous decision to maintain the federal funds rate target range at 4.25-4.5%, marking the second pause since the rate cut cycle began in September 2024. The Fed also indicated a further slowdown in the pace of balance sheet reduction, with internal disagreements on the approach to controlling inflation amidst a lack of progress [1][5][7]. Group 1: Federal Reserve's Decisions - The FOMC statement was more dovish than expected, highlighting increased uncertainty in the economic outlook and an earlier-than-anticipated slowdown in quantitative tightening (QT) starting in April, with the monthly redemption cap on Treasury securities reduced from $25 billion to $5 billion [1][7][9]. - The Fed's decision to slow QT is seen as a response to potential volatility in bank reserves due to the U.S. debt ceiling situation, which could impact liquidity in the banking system [10][19]. Group 2: Economic Projections - The March Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) reflects a cautious outlook, with GDP growth forecasts for 2025 and 2026 revised down to 1.7% and 1.8%, respectively, while inflation expectations were adjusted upward [3][18]. - The unemployment rate forecast for 2025 was slightly increased to 4.4%, and the PCE and core PCE inflation forecasts were raised to 2.7% and 2.8%, respectively [3][18]. Group 3: Market Reactions - Following the FOMC meeting, U.S. equity markets rebounded, with the S&P 500 rising by 1.08%, and the Nasdaq increasing by 1.41%. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell slightly from 4.28% to 4.24% [21]. - Market expectations for rate cuts in May and June 2025 increased, with probabilities of 19.4% and 57%, respectively, reflecting a shift in sentiment towards a more dovish monetary policy outlook [19].