Federal Reserve Treads Cautiously with Rate Cuts Amid Economic Uncertainty

A majority of U.S. Federal Reserve officials supported a half-point rate cut to ease monetary policy, though they remain cautious about future reductions. Concerns focus on inflation reduction and labor market fluctuations, aiming to balance economic support without pre-setting future policy moves.

A substantial majority of U.S. Federal Reserve officials advocated for a half-point rate cut last month, marking a strategic shift towards easier monetary policy. Despite this move, there was a consensus that it would not commit the Fed to any particular pace for future rate reductions, according to the policy meeting's minutes released Wednesday.

The minutes revealed the diversity of opinions within the Fed, as a half-point cut is typically reserved for periods of significant economic slowdown. The decision saw only one dissenting voice, Michelle Bowman from the Board of Governors, while others pondered a quarter-point cut. Some who favored a smaller cut nonetheless supported the larger adjustment to align with the rapid inflation drop, without setting a predefined course for more cuts.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell played a pivotal role in persuading his colleagues that a catch-up rate cut was essential. Powell aimed to maintain a low unemployment rate, as evident from his remarks post-September meeting, indicating this move as a robust start to easing policies. The Fed remains vigilant on communicating the broader policy normalization over specific initial actions.

(With inputs from agencies.)