华尔街日报：新美联储通讯社，鲍威尔释放谨慎降息信号，不要期待利率快速下降

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve is cautiously opening the door to interest rate cuts, but the path ahead is fraught with challenges, as Chairman Powell signals a careful strategy rather than aggressive easing [3][4]. Group 1: Labor Market Concerns - Powell describes the labor market as "peculiar," indicating that the seemingly stable unemployment rate masks a decline in both labor supply and demand [5][6]. - He warns against focusing solely on supply-side constraints, such as immigration policy, which may overlook weakening demand signals that could lead to a rapid deterioration in the job market [5][6]. - A cooling labor market could serve as a mechanism to prevent a vicious cycle of rising wages and prices driven by tariffs [5][6]. Group 2: Internal Disagreements and Inflation Concerns - Despite Powell's efforts to build consensus, there is significant resistance within the Federal Reserve regarding the rationale for rate cuts, with some officials arguing that inflation remains too high [6]. - Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack expresses skepticism about the temporary nature of tariff-driven price increases, while St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem notes that businesses are testing their pricing power [6]. - Concerns about inflation are echoed outside the Fed, with economists warning that Powell's dovish stance may underestimate inflation pressures and overstate labor market risks [6]. Group 3: Cautious Easing Approach - Powell's cautious tone this year contrasts sharply with his assertive stance from the previous year, reflecting a fundamental shift in economic conditions [7]. - The current environment of "high inflation, low interest rates" necessitates a more restrained approach to monetary easing, limiting the potential for significant declines in mortgage rates and borrowing costs [7]. - There are warnings that premature rate cuts could lead to a reversal in policy direction, potentially damaging the Fed's credibility and leading to perceptions of tolerance for inflation above the 2% target [7].