The United States Federal Reserve reduced its benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point Wednesday, while signaling a more cautious approach to future cuts as officials weigh persistent inflation pressures against labor market softening.
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) lowered the target range for the federal funds rate to 3.5%-3.75%, marking the third consecutive reduction since September. The decision passed with a 9-3 vote, with dissents from both sides as some members favored larger cuts while others preferred holding rates steady.
Policymakers' updated projections showed expectations for one additional quarter-point cut in 2026, unchanged from September forecasts. The projections suggest the Fed is entering a prolonged pause after reducing rates by 75 basis points over the past four months.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell described current policy decisions as "a close call" during his press conference, noting he could make arguments for either maintaining or adjusting rates. He characterized the policy rate as now in neutral territory following the recent reductions.
Powell struck a notably cautious tone on the economic outlook, suggesting payroll gains have been overstated by approximately 60,000 jobs monthly since April. Adjusting for revisions, he estimated net employment growth has been negative by roughly 20,000 jobs per month. "It doesn't feel like a hot economy," Powell said, describing the labor market as facing significant downside risks.
On inflation, Powell pointed to tariffs as the primary driver of overshooting the Fed's 2% target. The committee's statement noted that inflation has moved higher since earlier in the year and remains somewhat elevated.
The FOMC announced it will purchase $40 billion in Treasury bills over the next 30 days, beginning December 12, to maintain adequate reserve levels in the financial system. Powell clarified the purchases aim to ensure smooth market functioning rather than stimulate the economy through quantitative easing. The purchases may remain elevated for several months, he added.
The Fed's statement emphasized elevated uncertainty about the economic outlook and noted the committee remains attentive to risks on both sides of its employment and inflation mandates. Powell said substantial data will arrive before the January meeting and will factor into policymakers' thinking.
Markets had priced in two rate cuts for 2026 ahead of the meeting, more than the single reduction projected by Fed officials. Some analysts expect the central bank may ultimately deliver more cuts next year if employment weakens further and inflation pressures ease in the first half of 2026.
