Group 1 - The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points, marking the first cut since late last year, with a vote of 11 to 1 [1][2] - The Fed signaled the possibility of two more rate cuts before the end of the year, indicating a complex economic environment with two-sided risks [2][7] - Inflation remains high, approximately 50% above the target of 2%, while the labor market shows signs of weakness, complicating policy decisions [5][6][12] Group 2 - The concept of a "risk management cut" was introduced, suggesting a proactive approach to manage potential downside risks in the labor market [5][7] - Recent retail sales data surprised on the upside, indicating that the economy still has some momentum despite concerns of a slowdown [13][14] - The housing market remains complicated, with a significant shortage of 2 to 3 million houses, and the recent rate cut is not expected to dramatically change the housing outlook [15][16]

Group 1: Market Performance - Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 rose nearly 0.6% at the open to a record high, driven by gains in the real estate and technology sectors [1] - Key contributors to the Nikkei's rise included Resonac Holdings, which jumped 10%, Screen Holdings, which added 4.5%, and Tokyo Electron, which gained 3.9% [1] Group 2: Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark rate, framing it as a "risk management cut," with indications of two more rate cuts by the year's end and additional cuts in 2026 and 2027 [2] - South Korea's Kospi increased by 0.43%, while Australia's ASX/S&P 200 decreased by 0.57% [2] Group 3: Bank of Japan Policy Outlook - The Bank of Japan is expected to keep policy rates steady in its upcoming two-day policy meeting, with a potential 25 basis point hike anticipated later this year [3] - Economists believe that the second quarter GDP print, which outperformed expectations, indicates economic resilience [4]