The latest jobs report has left the Fed in a difficult position, potentially leading to a hard landing for the economy. Unexpected weakness in employment data has prompted the Fed to consider significant interest rate cuts in the coming months, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Major financial institutions, including Citi and JPMorgan, predict that the Fed will implement a series of rate cuts: 50 basis points (bps) in September, another 50 bps in November and 25 bps in December. CME’s data shows the probability of a 25 basis point cut in September as 78%, and the probability of a 50 basis point cut as 22%.
JPMorgan predicts that the Fed will eventually reduce its benchmark interest rate to around 3% and that the rate cuts will continue until the third quarter of 2025. This aggressive monetary expansion is seen as a necessary response to worsening economic indicators.
Throughout the year, FED officials focused on ensuring a “soft landing” in which inflation is reduced without triggering a recession in the economy. Recent declines in inflation have raised questions about the sustainability of full employment.
On the other hand, the potential for economic decline also has political consequences. “It goes without saying that if the economy turns around, Harris is less likely to become president,” said Marc Sumerlin, an economist who advised President George W. Bush.
The Fed’s response in the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the current economic weakness is a temporary blip or the beginning of a more serious downturn. “Inflation is no longer a problem. The situation has completely changed,” said Laurence Meyer, a former Fed governor. said.
*This is not investment advice.