Group 1: Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve has lowered the federal funds rate target range by 25 basis points to 3.75%–4.00%, marking the second rate cut since September[5] - The Fed will stop reducing its balance sheet starting December 1, ending a three-year period of asset reduction[5] - The decision to cut rates and halt balance sheet reduction is aimed at addressing rising liquidity pressures in the market[10] Group 2: Economic Conditions - U.S. economic uncertainty remains high, with significant downward risks to employment increasing in recent months[4] - Job growth has slowed, with August non-farm payrolls adding only 22,000 jobs, far below the expected 75,000[8] - The unemployment rate rose to 4.3%, the highest in nearly three years, triggering recession signals[8] Group 3: Market Reactions - The Fed's actions are seen as a response to tightening liquidity conditions, with over $2 trillion having exited the financial system since June 2022[10] - The balance sheet reduction halt is expected to inject approximately $50–60 billion in liquidity monthly into the banking system[12] - Following the Fed's announcement, market volatility increased, with the Nasdaq index slightly rising by 0.6% while the Dow Jones fell by 0.2%[13]