Fed cuts rates quarter point, with two dissents showing division #shorts #powell #fed #markets

Interest Rate Policy - The Federal Reserve (Fed) cut the benchmark lending rate by 0.25 percentage point, setting a new target range of 3.75% to 4% [1] - Two policymakers dissented: one favored a 0.5 percentage point cut, and the other preferred no change [1] - The Fed's administered rates for interest on reserves and the primary credit rate mechanically decreased by 0.25 percentage point [1] Balance Sheet - The Fed will stop redeeming maturing Treasury securities at the end of November [1] - Principal payments will be rolled over going forward [1] - The mortgage cap of $35 billion a month remains in place [1] - As of December 1st, all principal payments on maturing agencies will be reinvested in Treasury bills [1] Economic Assessment - Economic activity has been expanding at a moderate pace [1] - Job gains have slowed this year, and the unemployment rate has edged up but remained low through August [1] - Downside risks to employment rose in recent months, and uncertainty about the economic outlook remains elevated [2] - There is no change to their forward guidance, and the Fed will consider many factors when considering additional adjustments to the target rate [2]