华尔街见闻·2025-08-06 13:06Core Viewpoint - The U.S. economy is showing clear signs of slowdown, particularly in the labor market, prompting expectations for an imminent interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve [1][2][4]. Labor Market and Economic Slowdown - Recent employment data indicates a significant decline in potential monthly job growth, dropping from 206,000 in Q1 to 28,000 in July, suggesting a rapid weakening of the labor market [1][2]. - Goldman Sachs emphasizes that the July employment data reinforces the view that U.S. economic growth is nearing stagnation, with potential job growth trends falling below the breakeven point of approximately 90,000 [1][2]. - The labor market's deterioration aligns with broader economic slowdown, with Goldman predicting a real GDP annual growth rate of only 1.2% for the first half of 2025, which is a full percentage point below its estimated potential growth rate [4][5]. Interest Rate Cut Expectations - Both Goldman Sachs and Citigroup predict a high likelihood of a 25 basis point rate cut in September, with the possibility of a more aggressive 50 basis point cut if economic data worsens further [1][11]. - Goldman forecasts three consecutive 25 basis point cuts in September, October, and December 2025, potentially lowering the federal funds rate to a range of 3.0-3.25% by mid-2026 [8][11]. - Citigroup's baseline scenario suggests a policy rate drop to 3%, with risks skewed towards even lower rates [11]. Political Dynamics Impacting Monetary Policy - The resignation of Federal Reserve Governor Adriana Kugler and the recent dissenting votes at the FOMC meeting indicate a strengthening of dovish sentiment within the Fed, paving the way for quicker easing policies [6][7]. - The potential appointment of new Fed governors by President Trump could further shift the balance of power within the FOMC, facilitating earlier and faster rate cuts [7]. Currency and Market Implications - The anticipated shift in Fed policy contrasts sharply with other major central banks, which may drive a weakening of the U.S. dollar [14][15]. - Goldman Sachs projects that even with a reduction of the federal funds rate to 3%-3.25% by mid-2026, the European Central Bank may maintain its deposit rate at 2%, diminishing the dollar's interest rate advantage [14][15]. - Concerns regarding U.S. economic governance and data quality, particularly following the dismissal of the BLS director, may also exert downward pressure on the dollar [15].