降息暂缓，前紧后松——1月美联储议息会议解读【华福宏观·陈兴团队】

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve has decided to maintain interest rates in the range of 3.5%-3.75%, ending a series of rate cuts since September 2025, with a generally optimistic outlook on economic growth and a stabilizing labor market [2][10]. Group 1: Employment and Labor Market - The employment growth remains weak, but there are signs of stabilization in the unemployment rate, which has previously been on the rise [5][6]. - The labor market is experiencing a structural decline in both supply and demand, with factors such as reduced immigration and a declining labor participation rate contributing to this trend [6]. - Despite the challenges, there are positive indicators such as a rebound in wage growth, suggesting some resilience in the labor market [6][10]. Group 2: Inflation Trends - Inflation is still considered somewhat elevated, although it has decreased from previous highs, remaining above target levels [5][6]. - The core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, excluding the impact of tariffs, is slightly above 2%, indicating a healthy progress in inflation management [6]. - The overall trend suggests that inflation is likely to continue decreasing, driven by factors such as a slowdown in housing inflation [6][10]. Group 3: Economic Growth Outlook - The Federal Reserve has upgraded its assessment of economic activity to "expanding at a solid pace," indicating stronger growth than previously expected [7]. - Recent data shows that the U.S. economy is likely to stabilize, with consumer spending and investment showing signs of improvement [7]. - The positive impact of previous interest rate cuts on consumer spending is beginning to manifest, with retail sales rebounding unexpectedly [7][10]. Group 4: Interest Rate Expectations - Market expectations for further rate cuts have diminished, with probabilities for the Fed maintaining rates in March and April rising to 86.5% and 74%, respectively [10]. - The current labor market shows signs of stabilization, reducing the necessity for further rate cuts in the near term [10]. - However, the long-term outlook suggests that inflation trends and labor market imbalances may lead to increased pressure for rate cuts later in the year [10].