Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve is likely to initiate interest rate cuts soon due to rising downside risks to employment and diminished upside risks to inflation, as indicated by Powell during the Jackson Hole meeting [2][3]. Employment and Inflation - Employment growth is slowing, indicating a decrease in job creation opportunities, while GDP growth has also decelerated in the first half of the year, leading to increased downside risks for employment [2]. - Inflation is approaching the Fed's target, with tariffs expected to have a gradual and uncertain impact on prices. There is a lack of sustained upward pressure on inflation due to downward pressure in the labor market, which reduces the likelihood of a wage-inflation spiral [3]. Monetary Policy Framework Changes - The Fed has revised its monetary policy framework to return to a flexible inflation targeting regime, allowing for adjustments without waiting for inflation to remain below 2% for an extended period. This change acknowledges the weakening labor supply and demand [6][7]. - The new framework removes references to the effective lower bound as a decisive economic characteristic, reflecting the current low interest rate environment and the potential for more frequent constraints on the federal funds rate [6]. - The Fed has shifted its view on maximum employment, now considering it as the highest level of employment that can be sustained in a context of price stability, rather than focusing on employment shortfalls [7]. Long-term Inflation and Employment Goals - The Fed maintains that a 2% inflation rate, measured by the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index, is most consistent with its dual mandate of promoting maximum employment and price stability. Long-term inflation expectations should remain anchored at this level to enhance the Fed's ability to achieve maximum employment [8]. - The Fed's approach to monetary policy will balance the degree of deviation from its employment and inflation targets, considering the time required for both to return to target levels [8].