Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential for the Federal Reserve's benchmark interest rate to return to zero, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding future interest rates and the implications for monetary policy [3][4][6]. Group 1: Interest Rate Projections - Research indicates a 9% probability that the federal funds rate will hit the "zero lower bound" within the next seven years, with current interest rate uncertainty being a significant factor [4]. - The likelihood of rates returning to zero within the next two years is estimated at 1% [6]. - The Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate target range to 5.25%-5.5% from March 2022 to July 2023, moving significantly away from the zero lower bound [7]. Group 2: Market Expectations and Economic Indicators - Market discussions are ongoing regarding the timing of potential interest rate cuts and the terminal rate level, with Goldman Sachs economists predicting a possible rate cut in September [8]. - Goldman Sachs has revised its forecast for the terminal federal funds rate down to 3%-3.25%, which remains above the zero lower bound [9]. - The chief U.S. economist at Goldman Sachs estimates a slightly higher than 50% chance of a rate cut in September, with further cuts expected in October and December [8][10].

Group 1 - The Federal Reserve cannot assume that its benchmark interest rate will not drop to zero again in the future, with a 9% probability of hitting the "zero lower bound" within the next seven years [1] - Current interest rate uncertainty is a significant factor contributing to this risk, with expectations for future rates remaining high compared to the past decade [1] - The analysis is based on interest rate derivatives linked to short-term key rate expectations, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate [1] Group 2 - There is a 1% probability that interest rates will return to zero within the next two years, following the Fed's previous rate cuts during the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic [2] - Since March 2022, the Fed has raised the federal funds rate target range to 5.25% to 5.5% in response to high inflation, moving significantly away from the zero lower bound [2] - Discussions are ongoing regarding the timing of potential rate cuts and the level of the terminal rate, with recent comments indicating frustration from the President regarding the Fed's current policy stance [2] Group 3 - Goldman Sachs economists now expect the Fed to potentially cut rates in September, three months earlier than previously predicted, due to lower-than-expected impacts from tariff policies and signs of a slowing job market [3] - The likelihood of a rate cut in September is estimated to be slightly above 50%, with expectations for cuts of 25 basis points in September, October, and December [3] - Goldman Sachs has revised its forecast for the terminal federal funds rate down to 3% to 3.25%, indicating a shift in expectations while maintaining that the economy could still achieve maximum employment and 2% inflation [3]