Monetary Policy - The Federal Reserve lowered the federal funds target rate by 25 basis points to a range of 4.00%-4.25%[2] - The decision aligns with market expectations and reflects a "prudent easing" policy stance[3] Economic Outlook - The U.S. GDP growth rate for the first half of the year was approximately 1.5%, down from 2.5% in the same period last year[5] - Consumer spending has shown signs of weakness, while investment in equipment and intangibles has improved[5] - The median GDP growth forecast for 2025 is 1.6%, significantly lower than the 2024 level[7] Employment Trends - Non-farm payrolls have averaged only 29,000 new jobs over the past three months, well below the break-even level needed to maintain stable unemployment[8] - The unemployment rate is projected to be 4.5% this year, with a gradual decline expected thereafter[12] Inflation Concerns - The PCE index rose by 2.7% year-on-year in August, with core PCE at 2.9%, indicating persistent inflationary pressures[13] - The Fed's cautious language regarding inflation reflects heightened sensitivity to rising price levels[13] Political Influences - Political pressure from former President Trump has become a significant variable affecting Fed policy, with calls for more aggressive rate cuts[15] - The appointment of Miran to the Fed Board is seen as a move to strengthen Trump's influence within the Fed[16] Asset Management - The Fed will continue its balance sheet reduction at a pace of $40 billion per month, with no changes to the current schedule[19] - The overall asset balance of the Fed has been gradually declining, with total assets at approximately $6.61 trillion as of September 10, 2025[24]

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve's "third mission" of pursuing moderate long-term interest rates has gained attention, especially after new board member Stephen Milan's dissenting vote against a 25 basis point rate cut, advocating instead for a 50 basis point cut, indicating potential political influence from the White House [1][2][3]. Group 1: Federal Reserve's Rate Decisions - On September 17, the Federal Reserve announced a 25 basis point cut in the federal funds rate target range to 4.00% to 4.25%, marking the first rate cut of 2025 and following three cuts in 2024 [1]. - Milan's dissenting vote highlights a significant internal division within the Federal Reserve, with 11 votes in favor of the rate cut and 1 against, suggesting a strong consensus despite political pressures [2][4]. - The dot plot revealed a notable divergence in opinions among the 19 voting members regarding future rate cuts, indicating a lack of consensus on the pace of monetary easing [5]. Group 2: Economic Forecasts and Implications - The Federal Reserve slightly raised its GDP growth forecast for 2025 from 1.4% to 1.6%, while maintaining its predictions for unemployment and inflation for 2024 [5]. - For 2026, the Fed's outlook suggests higher growth, lower unemployment, and higher inflation, with the terminal rate projected to decrease to 3.4% from 3.6% [5]. - The current economic data indicates a shift in the Fed's focus towards stabilizing the labor market, with a cautious approach to future rate cuts [7][8]. Group 3: Market Reactions and Investment Opportunities - The anticipated continuation of rate cuts may lead to a revaluation of global assets, benefiting physical assets and precious metals, such as energy, metals, real estate, and gold [6]. - A weaker dollar could accelerate capital flows into emerging markets, particularly those benefiting from manufacturing shifts and resource exports [6]. - The Fed's cautious stance on rate cuts reflects a balancing act between achieving its dual mandate of maximum employment and price stability while navigating political pressures [8][9].