Fed cuts rates by half point amid slowing job gains

MENA Newswire News Desk: The Federal Reserve on Wednesday cut its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point, marking the first reduction since the Covid pandemic. The Federal Open Market Committee’s decision to lower rates came as inflation showed signs of moderating and the labor market weakened. This move, which takes the federal funds rate to a range of 4.75% to 5%, is aimed at staving off a potential slowdown in employment growth.

Chair Jerome Powell emphasized that the rate cut reflects the Fed’s commitment to restoring price stability while avoiding a significant rise in unemployment. The decision follows a period of slowing job growth, with the unemployment rate creeping up to 4.2%. Powell noted the balance of risks to the economy, saying inflation is moving closer to the Fed’s 2% target, while the labor market remains a concern.

The rate cut also signaled the Fed’s intentions for future adjustments, with projections indicating another 50 basis points in reductions by the end of 2024. Market reactions were mixed, with the Dow Jones initially surging before leveling out as investors digested the news. Despite the cut, the broader economic indicators remain relatively strong. GDP growth has been steady, and inflation, while above the Fed’s 2% target, is still manageable.

However, concerns about the labor market’s future trajectory have influenced the Fed’s cautious approach. The FOMC vote was not unanimous, with Governor Michelle Bowman dissenting, favoring a smaller, quarter-point reduction. Her dissent marked the first by a Fed governor in nearly two decades. Globally, the Fed’s move is likely to influence other central banks, many of which have already begun cutting rates. The Bank of England and the European Central Bank are closely watching the Fed’s actions as they navigate their own economic challenges.