Group 1 - The Federal Reserve decided to pause interest rate cuts, indicating a cautious approach amid rising inflation and unemployment risks [1][2] - There is a growing uncertainty for the Fed, as premature rate cuts could lead to uncontrolled inflation expectations, while delaying action may result in an economic recession [1] - Concerns were raised by experts about the potential need for larger rate cuts in the future if the Fed waits too long to act [1] Group 2 - Fed Chair Powell emphasized a "wait and see" approach, using the phrase 11 times during a recent press conference, indicating patience in policy decisions [2] - Following the Fed's rate decision, market expectations for a June rate cut have decreased, with a general consensus that cuts may occur in the second half of the year [2] - Former Fed advisor William English suggested that the Fed should remain inactive for the time being, highlighting the difficult position they are in [3]

Core Viewpoint - Huatai Securities indicates that the Federal Reserve's future interest rate cut decisions will depend on the outcomes of tariff negotiations and actual economic data, particularly employment data [1] Group 1: Economic Data Analysis - Recent soft data in the U.S. has shown overall weakness, while hard data remains robust [1] - The Federal Reserve maintains a wait-and-see approach, not rushing to cut rates, and plans to act once the situation becomes clearer [1] - Future interest rate cut decisions will primarily depend on the trends in hard data, especially employment figures [1] Group 2: Employment and Inflation Outlook - If employment data weakens significantly before the June meeting, and inflation pressure remains manageable in April and May, there is a probability of a rate cut in June [1] - Conversely, if conditions do not align, the decision for a rate cut may be postponed until July or later [1] Group 3: Focus Areas - Continued attention will be on changes in U.S. tariff policies and hard data, including employment figures, to assess the Federal Reserve's rate cut decisions [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the dilemma faced by the Federal Reserve in responding to the Trump administration's tariff policies, suggesting that the Fed may delay interest rate cuts due to inflation concerns [1][2]. Group 1: Federal Reserve's Dilemma - The Federal Reserve is in a "goalkeeper's dilemma," where maintaining interest rates to combat inflation could further slow the economy, while cutting rates to stimulate growth may exacerbate short-term inflation pressures caused by tariffs or supply shortages [1][2]. - The Fed is likely to prioritize "inflation control" in its decision-making process, especially in light of potential price increases from tariffs [2][4]. Group 2: Labor Market and Interest Rate Decisions - The Fed will closely monitor labor market changes, using employment data as a critical reference for its decisions. It will not preemptively cut rates based on anticipated economic slowdown without clear data [2][3]. - If there are clear signs of labor market deterioration, the Fed may be prepared to act, but the extent of inflation will be a limiting factor in its decision to lower rates [5][9]. Group 3: Inflation Expectations Management - Managing inflation expectations is crucial for the Fed, as stable expectations can lower the cost of controlling inflation. If expectations become unanchored, it will be more challenging to manage inflation [5][6]. - The Fed's communication strategy has become more complex due to public criticism from Trump, necessitating a cautious approach to guide market expectations [7][8]. Group 4: Divergence Among Fed Officials - There is a division among Fed officials regarding whether the price increases from tariffs will be temporary. Some believe that without the tariff-induced price pressures, the Fed might have already begun cutting rates [9][11]. - Former Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren suggests that the Fed should cut rates in response to economic weakness, as rate cuts can help offset weak demand but do not address supply chain issues [9][10].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the dilemma faced by the Federal Reserve in responding to the "hasty" tariff policies of the Trump administration, suggesting that the Fed may pause interest rate cuts due to inflation concerns [1][2]. Group 1: Federal Reserve's Dilemma - The Federal Reserve is in a "goalkeeper's dilemma," where maintaining interest rates to combat inflation could further slow the economy, while cutting rates to stimulate growth may exacerbate short-term inflation pressures caused by tariffs or supply shortages [1][2]. - The Fed is closely monitoring labor market changes, with employment data being a crucial reference for decision-making [1][3]. Group 2: Tariffs and Economic Activity - Tariffs may force the Fed to take a more cautious approach, as they could temporarily raise prices and slow economic activity, leading to signs of stagflation [2]. - A key challenge is determining the duration and magnitude of price increases caused by tariffs and potential supply disruptions [2][6]. Group 3: Inflation Expectations Management - Managing inflation expectations is critical for the Fed's communication strategy, especially in a dual challenge of recession and inflation pressures [3]. - If consumers and businesses expect inflation to decline, it can stabilize inflation expectations, making it easier to control inflation [3]. Group 4: Divergence Among Fed Officials - There is a consensus among Fed officials that rate cuts are inappropriate until clear signs of consumer spending slowdown and rising unemployment are observed [6]. - However, there are differing views on whether the price increases from tariffs will be temporary, with some officials suggesting that rate cuts may be necessary if demand weakens significantly [6].

Inflation Data Summary - In March 2025, the US CPI increased by 2.4% year-on-year and decreased by 0.1% month-on-month, while core CPI rose by 2.8% year-on-year and increased by 0.1% month-on-month, both falling more than market expectations[2][12]. - Energy inflation continued to decline, with energy prices dropping by 3.3% year-on-year, a decrease of 3.1 percentage points from February, while food prices rose by 3.0% year-on-year, an increase of 0.4 percentage points from February[3][17]. Economic Outlook - The March CPI data indicates a significant decline in inflation, particularly in core services, suggesting a slowdown in US economic activity[4][30]. - The implementation of Trump's tariff policies is expected to increase price pressures in the future, leading to heightened uncertainty regarding the direction of inflation[4][30]. Federal Reserve Implications - Despite the unexpected decline in inflation, the Federal Reserve is likely to maintain a cautious approach due to the ongoing effects of tariff policies and the current inflation levels not meeting their target[5][37]. - The Fed may consider 2-3 rate cuts in 2025, with the next potential cut possibly occurring in June or later, depending on the progress of tariff negotiations[6][40]. Market Impact - The US stock market may still face downward pressure, as the overall tariff rates remain significantly higher than the average rate of 2.3% in 2024, potentially leading to continued economic weakness[5][40]. - The uncertainty surrounding inflation and economic conditions suggests that the market may not recover quickly, and further declines could occur[5][39].