时隔三年，美联储重启扩表

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve has decided to lower the interest rate by 25 basis points to a range of 3.50%-3.75%, marking the third consecutive rate cut this year, amidst a backdrop of mixed economic signals and internal divisions within the FOMC [3][4][14]. Economic Outlook - Economic activity is expanding at a moderate pace, with job growth slowing and a slight increase in the unemployment rate as of September. Inflation remains elevated, indicating persistent price pressures [5][7]. - The Fed has revised its economic growth forecast for this year upward by 0.1 percentage points to 1.7%, and for 2026, the forecast was increased by 0.5 percentage points to 2.3% [6][7]. Inflation Dynamics - Inflation pressures are still significant, with the Fed projecting core PCE inflation at 3.0% for 2025, down 0.1 percentage points from previous estimates. Overall PCE inflation is expected to be 2.9% for this year [7][8]. - The Fed Chairman noted that tariffs imposed during the Trump administration have contributed to inflation, but he believes their impact will be temporary [7]. Labor Market Insights - The labor market remains resilient, with the unemployment rate projected at 4.5% for 2025 and 4.4% for 2026, consistent with previous forecasts [7][8]. - Recent data indicates a trend of low hiring and low layoffs, although there are signs of increasing layoff pressures, with announced layoffs exceeding 1.1 million as of November [15]. Interest Rate Projections - The FOMC's interest rate projections remain unchanged, with a median rate of 3.4% for 2026, suggesting a potential rate cut next year [9][14]. - Internal divisions within the FOMC are evident, with some members advocating for maintaining rates while others support further cuts, reflecting uncertainty in future monetary policy [9][16]. Policy Outlook - The Fed is entering a wait-and-see mode, having cut rates by a total of 75 basis points since September, and is prepared to adjust rates based on new economic data [11][12]. - The Fed has announced a plan to restart short-term Treasury purchases to manage market liquidity, which had tightened recently [11][12].