GF SECURITIES(SZ:000776) 郭磊宏观茶座·2025-09-18 01:26Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve's decision to lower the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to 4.00%-4.25% marks the first rate cut since the easing cycle began in September 2024, reflecting a shift in focus from inflation to employment risks [1][7][12]. Group 1: Federal Reserve's Rate Decision - The FOMC voted to cut the federal funds rate by 25 basis points, with a dissenting vote advocating for a 50 basis point cut, which did not gain widespread support [1][7]. - The Fed will continue to reduce its balance sheet, indicating a cautious approach to monetary policy [1][7]. - The dot plot indicates a cumulative rate cut of 75 basis points by the end of 2025, with further cuts in 2026 and 2027 [2][9][11]. Group 2: Economic Projections - The economic projections for GDP growth have been revised upward, with 2025, 2026, and 2027 growth rates adjusted to 1.6%, 1.8%, and 1.9% respectively [2][9][11]. - The unemployment rate forecast for 2025 remains at 4.5%, while 2026 and 2027 are slightly adjusted down to 4.4% and 4.3% [2][12]. - Core PCE inflation is projected to be 3.1% for 2025, with a slight increase to 2.6% for 2026 [2][12]. Group 3: Powell's Interpretation - Powell's interpretation of the rate cut is somewhat hawkish, emphasizing risk management and a shift in focus from inflation to employment [3][12][13]. - The Fed's future policy path will remain data-dependent, with decisions made on a meeting-by-meeting basis [3][12][14]. - The current rate cut is characterized as "preventive" rather than "emergency," aligning more with historical precedents from 1967 and 1995 [3][14][31]. Group 4: Historical Context of Rate Cuts - The 1967 preventive rate cut was aimed at avoiding recession amid slowing economic growth, which ultimately succeeded in stabilizing the economy [4][19][20]. - The 1995 rate cuts were also preventive, aimed at extending economic expansion without triggering inflation, resulting in a positive market response [5][21][22]. - In contrast, the emergency rate cuts in 2001 and 2007 were reactive to severe economic downturns and did not prevent subsequent recessions [5][25][26]. Group 5: Implications for Asset Pricing - The rate cut is expected to support upward revisions in corporate earnings, positively impacting short-term stock performance [6][43]. - Short-term interest rates will decline, while long-term rates may remain resilient due to fiscal pressures, leading to a potential steepening of the yield curve [6][43][44]. - Gold prices may benefit from lower real interest rates and increased risk premiums associated with Fed independence [6][45]. Group 6: Market Reactions and Future Outlook - The S&P 500 recorded a 12.4% year-over-year EPS growth in Q2, indicating a rebound in earnings expectations [6][44]. - The overall market sentiment remains sensitive to interest rates, demand, and profit margins, with high-quality growth stocks likely to benefit [6][44]. - The demand for gold ETFs has increased, reflecting a shift towards long-term hedging strategies amid macroeconomic uncertainties [6][46].