Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve announced a 25 basis point reduction in the federal funds rate target range to 4.00%-4.25%, indicating the possibility of two more rate cuts within the year [1] Group 1: Federal Reserve's Internal Dynamics - The dot plot reveals significant internal divisions within the Federal Reserve, with 6 members favoring a pause and 9 members supporting two additional rate cuts this year [3] - A newly appointed member, Stephen Milan, is speculated to advocate for a more aggressive rate cut of 150 basis points [3] Group 2: Economic Forecasts - The median forecast for the federal funds rate in 2026 is concentrated between 3.25%-3.75%, indicating a potential reduction of 75 basis points compared to current levels [4] - The latest economic projections show a GDP growth rate of 1.6% for 2025, with an unemployment rate forecast of 4.5% [12] Group 3: Inflation and Employment Insights - Fed Chair Jerome Powell described the recent rate cut as a form of risk management, highlighting the upward risks to inflation and downward risks to employment [5] - Powell noted that rising commodity prices are a significant contributor to inflation, which is expected to continue affecting inflation rates in the remaining months of the year [7] - The labor market is showing signs of softening, and there is a desire to prevent further deterioration [8] Group 4: Institutional Interpretations - Morgan Stanley's chief U.S. economist, Michael Gapen, interpreted the rate cut as a dovish signal, emphasizing the rising risks in the employment sector [9] - Fitch's U.S. economic research head, Olu Sonola, stated that the Fed is prioritizing growth and employment, even at the cost of tolerating higher inflation in the short term [10] - Goldman Sachs' macro strategy head, Simon Dangoor, noted that the majority of Fed members plan to cut rates two more times this year, indicating a dominant dovish stance [10] - Wells Fargo's senior economist, Sarah House, remarked that the meeting's outcome reflects a balance between weakening labor market momentum and persistent high inflation [11]

Core Viewpoint - Gold bulls are eager to buy on dips ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, indicating strong market demand regardless of the Fed's stance [1] Group 1 - In the hours leading up to the Fed's announcement, gold prices reduced their intraday decline from $38 to $12, showcasing a resilient buying interest [1] - The market sentiment suggests that even if the Fed is not currently dovish, it may adopt a more dovish stance in the future [1] - External factors such as Trump's desire to lower interest rates and the ongoing global disorder, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and trade wars, are creating new risks that favor gold [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is expected to announce a 25 basis point interest rate cut, lowering the federal funds rate target to a range of 4%-4.25% due to a slowing job market and manageable inflation levels [1][4] Group 1: Interest Rate Decisions - Analysts predict that the FOMC will continue to cut rates, with two additional 25 basis point cuts expected in October and December [1] - The prevailing opinion suggests a total of six rate cuts may occur, potentially extending into spring next year, contingent on employment, inflation, and economic activity data [1] Group 2: Internal Disagreements - The FOMC has seen significant internal disagreement, with two members, Bowman and Waller, voting against the last rate decision, advocating for a more aggressive 25 basis point cut [4] - This marks the first instance in over 30 years where two board members simultaneously opposed a rate decision, highlighting increasing divisions within the committee [4] Group 3: Political and Economic Influences - Concerns over a weakening labor market are driving some members to push for lower rates to mitigate recession risks, with Waller warning of potential layoffs if credit conditions remain tight [4] - Political pressures are also influencing FOMC decisions, as recent personnel changes and public statements from former President Trump suggest expectations for a significant rate cut [4]

Core Viewpoint - The market is betting on the Federal Reserve to restart interest rate cuts, with a 96.1% probability of a 25 basis point cut in the upcoming meeting [3][4]. Economic Data Summary - The U.S. August CPI rose by 2.9% year-on-year, matching market expectations, while core CPI also held steady at 3.1% [4][5]. - Non-farm payrolls increased by 22,000, significantly below the expected 75,000, and the unemployment rate rose to 4.3% [4][5]. Market Expectations - Experts suggest that the Federal Reserve is likely to prioritize employment data over inflation, leading to a probable 25 basis point rate cut [5][6]. - The market anticipates two to three rate cuts within the year, totaling around 50 to 75 basis points [9][10]. Long-term Projections - The Federal Reserve may enter a sustained rate-cutting cycle, potentially lowering rates by 200 basis points over the next year, bringing rates to between 2.25% and 2.5% [10][11]. - The long-term trajectory of interest rates remains uncertain due to factors such as globalization trends and fiscal deficits [10][11]. Political Influences - The political landscape is increasingly affecting the Federal Reserve's decisions, with recent appointments reflecting a mix of influences from both the Trump and Biden administrations [14][15]. - The potential for a more aggressive rate-cutting approach may arise if new political pressures are applied following recent appointments [15][16].

Core Viewpoint - The recent personnel changes at the Federal Reserve, including the court ruling allowing Lisa Cook to remain and the Senate's approval of Stephen Miran, have added uncertainty to the upcoming interest rate decision, highlighting the political tensions surrounding the Fed's independence [1][2][3]. Group 1: Personnel Changes - The U.S. Court of Appeals upheld a lower court's decision, allowing Lisa Cook to participate in the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting, despite facing pressure from President Trump [1]. - Stephen Miran was confirmed by the Senate with a narrow vote of 48 to 47, and is expected to take office in time for the Fed meeting [1][4]. Group 2: Impact on Interest Rate Decisions - Market expectations prior to these changes were for a 25 basis point rate cut, with a 10% chance of a 50 basis point cut; however, the addition of Cook and Miran has led to discussions of a potential "four-way split" in voting [6][7]. - Analysts suggest that Miran's appointment will likely strengthen the dovish camp within the FOMC, potentially leading to a vote for a 50 basis point cut [4][7]. Group 3: Political Tensions and Independence - The situation reflects increasing tensions between the White House and the Federal Reserve, with Cook previously identified as one of the most dovish members, potentially complicating the Fed's decision-making process [3][4]. - There are concerns that Cook may unexpectedly vote for a rate hike to assert her independence, which could further complicate the Fed's stance and raise questions about its autonomy [3][7].

Core Viewpoint - The recent personnel changes at the Federal Reserve have added uncertainty to the upcoming interest rate decision, with the potential for a divided voting outcome among committee members [1][3][4]. Group 1: Personnel Changes - Lisa Cook has been allowed to remain on the Federal Reserve Board, which adds significant uncertainty to the upcoming meeting [3][6]. - Stephen Miran's nomination was swiftly approved by the Senate, and he is expected to strengthen the dovish camp within the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) [3][11]. - The contrasting situations of Cook and Miran highlight the political tensions affecting the Federal Reserve's independence [10][12]. Group 2: Voting Dynamics - The market generally anticipates a 25 basis point rate cut, but the inclusion of Cook and Miran could lead to a rare "four-way split" in voting [4][13]. - Possible voting factions include a dovish camp supporting a 50 basis point cut, a moderate camp favoring a 25 basis point cut, a group advocating for no change, and the potential for Cook to unexpectedly support a rate hike [14][15]. - If an unprecedented outcome occurs, it could lead to significant confusion in policy signals from the FOMC and unpredictable market reactions [15].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent personnel changes at the Federal Reserve, which add uncertainty to the upcoming interest rate decision, highlighting the political dynamics affecting the central bank's independence [1][3][4]. Group 1: Personnel Changes and Their Implications - The U.S. Court of Appeals upheld a lower court's decision preventing Trump from removing Lisa Cook, allowing her to participate in the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting [2][3]. - The Senate narrowly confirmed Stephen Miran as a member of the Federal Reserve Board, which is expected to strengthen the dovish camp within the FOMC [3][9]. - Cook's position is uncertain due to ongoing legal issues, which have become a focal point in the tension between the White House and the Federal Reserve [6][7]. Group 2: Market Expectations and Predictions - The market generally anticipates a 25 basis point rate cut by the Federal Reserve, but the addition of two contrasting voting members complicates the prediction [4][12]. - Analysts suggest a rare "four-way split" voting scenario could emerge, leading to significant confusion in policy signals from the FOMC [5][13]. - The potential voting factions include a dovish camp supporting a 50 basis point cut, a moderate camp favoring a 25 basis point cut, a group advocating for no change, and Cook possibly voting for a 25 basis point increase [13].

Core Viewpoint - The recent personnel changes at the Federal Reserve, including the court ruling allowing Lisa Cook to remain and the Senate's approval of Stephen Miran, have added uncertainty to the upcoming interest rate decision, highlighting the political tensions surrounding the Fed's independence [1][2][3]. Group 1: Personnel Changes - The U.S. Court of Appeals upheld a lower court's decision, allowing Lisa Cook to participate in the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting, despite facing pressure from former President Trump [1]. - Stephen Miran's nomination to the Federal Reserve Board was narrowly approved by the Senate, with expectations that he will strengthen the dovish camp within the FOMC [1][3]. Group 2: Impact on Interest Rate Decisions - Market expectations are leaning towards a 25 basis point rate cut, but the addition of Cook and Miran introduces unpredictability, with some analysts suggesting a rare "four-way split" in voting could occur [4][5]. - The potential for a "circus-like" outcome in the FOMC's decision-making process could lead to chaotic signals regarding monetary policy, complicating market reactions [5]. Group 3: Voting Dynamics - The voting landscape may include a strong dovish faction represented by Miran, Waller, and Bowman, who could support a 50 basis point cut, while a moderate faction led by Chair Powell may favor a 25 basis point cut [7]. - Cook's unexpected vote could potentially lean towards a rate hike, reflecting her desire to assert independence amid political pressures [7].

Core Viewpoint - The market interpreted Powell's speech at the Jackson Hole meeting as a dovish signal for monetary easing, but the company believes it does not provide strong guidance on the sustainability and extent of rate cuts, rather clarifying the Fed's "reaction function" in response to employment and inflation risks [2][4][5]. Summary by Sections Monetary Policy Reaction Function - Powell indicated that the Fed would lean towards rate cuts when employment risks outweigh inflation risks. However, if inflation risks surpass employment concerns, the Fed could halt rate cuts using the same "reaction function" [5][9]. - The current environment of higher tariffs and stricter immigration policies creates a scenario where both employment and inflation risks coexist, complicating the Fed's policy decisions [4][5]. Economic Context and Risks - Powell acknowledged that structural shocks are impacting the economy, with higher tariffs reshaping global trade and stricter immigration policies slowing labor growth. He emphasized that while monetary policy can stabilize cyclical fluctuations, it is largely ineffective against structural shocks [8][9]. - The Fed's revised monetary policy framework for 2025 emphasizes a balanced approach to employment and inflation, moving away from the previous average inflation targeting that allowed for higher inflation in pursuit of more jobs [5][9]. Comparison with Previous Guidance - Compared to his 2024 speech, Powell's current guidance reflects a lack of confidence in the ability to achieve the 2% inflation target, indicating a more cautious stance on monetary easing [6][7]. - The current economic situation is described as challenging, with inflation risks tilted to the upside and employment risks to the downside, contrasting with the more confident tone of the previous year [7][9]. Market Implications - The company suggests that the market should not overly interpret Powell's dovish comments as a clear signal for a series of rate cuts. Even if a 25 basis point cut occurs in September, it does not imply the beginning of a broader easing cycle [9]. - The potential for "stagflation" could lead to increased market volatility as the Fed navigates conflicting employment and inflation targets [9].

Core Viewpoint - The recent comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell indicate a dovish stance, suggesting a potential interest rate cut of 25 basis points in the upcoming September meeting due to changing economic risks [1][2] Group 1: Market Reactions - Spot gold prices experienced a rebound after hitting a low of $3321, closing at $3371, reflecting a significant daily gain [1] - The U.S. dollar index fell nearly 1%, making gold cheaper for buyers holding other currencies [1] - The market has fully priced in the expectation of a rate cut at the next monetary policy meeting, with further cuts anticipated by the end of the year [2] Group 2: Economic Indicators - Powell acknowledged the clear impact of the trade war on consumer prices but suggested it may be a one-time shock that the central bank can overlook [1] - He noted that while inflation faces upward risks, the labor market is not particularly tight, indicating a challenging economic environment [1] Group 3: Technical Analysis - Gold prices found short-term support around $3325, with the 100-day moving average serving as a key defense level [3] - A drop below the recent low of $3311 could accelerate declines towards $3300 or even $3270-3265, marking the lower boundary of a three-month trading range [3] - Resistance is noted in the $3348-3350 range, with a breakthrough potentially triggering short covering and pushing prices towards $3375 and beyond [3]