The U.S. Federal Reserve delivered a widely expected 25 basis point rate cut on Wednesday, lowering the range on its benchmark fed funds rate by 25 basis points to 3.50% to 3.75%. This marks the third straight quarter point reduction and brings short-term borrowing costs to their lowest level since 2022.
Today’s rate cut is of particular note given the unusually large amount of public dissension among Fed members about the course of monetary policy. Several in recent weeks had loudly voiced their opposition ahead of time to not just today’s easing, but also the central bank’s 25 basis point reduction at its previous meeting in October.
The move comes at a moment when policymakers are still operating without several key economic data releases that remain delayed or suspended due to the U.S. government shutdown. Also at play is President Trump’s continued bashing of current Fed Chair Jerome Powell alongside his search for a replacement when Powell’s term as chair ends next year.
Attention now turns to Powell’s post-meeting press conference at 2:30 pm ET, where listeners will try and further discern his and the Fed’s thoughts on the future path of monetary policy.
