9月FOMC：联储独立性压力测试的第一关（国金宏观钟天）

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the Federal Reserve's independence and the pressure it faces from political figures, particularly Trump, regarding interest rate decisions and economic growth expectations [2][18]. Group 1: FOMC Meeting Insights - The focus of the September FOMC meeting was not only on the interest rate cut magnitude but also on the dynamics within the committee, including new member Milan's rapid inclusion and the legal issues faced by member Cook [4]. - Only member Milan supported a 50 basis point rate cut, while other members, including Waller and Bowman, aligned with the majority [4]. - The median forecast for rate cuts in 2025 was raised from 50 basis points to 75 basis points, but only 9 out of 19 members supported this adjustment [4]. Group 2: Economic Predictions - The FOMC members have become more optimistic about the economy, raising the GDP forecast for 2025 to 1.6% and for 2026 to 1.8%, while lowering the unemployment rate for 2026 to 4.4% [5]. - Core PCE inflation expectations for 2026 were increased to 2.6% from 2.4% [5]. Group 3: Market Reactions - Gold emerged as the biggest loser from the FOMC meeting, despite being one of the best-performing asset classes since the Jackson Hole meeting, with a 10% increase attributed to market reactions to the Fed's perceived loss of independence [6]. - Other assets showed limited volatility, but the market's expectation for a series of 25 basis point rate cuts was met [8]. Group 4: Labor Market Concerns - Powell expressed significant concerns regarding the labor market, introducing the term "risk management cut" to describe the Fed's approach to rate cuts, which may suppress the likelihood of consecutive cuts [13]. - The labor market is facing pressures from reduced immigration and weakening labor demand, complicating the Fed's inflation outlook [13]. Group 5: Political Pressure - Trump's fundamental disagreement with the Fed's economic growth expectations creates ongoing political pressure, as he seeks more aggressive rate cuts to stimulate growth and alleviate debt pressures [17][18].