The US Federal Reserve has announced a 0.25 percentage point cut to its main lending rate, setting the new target range at 4% to 4.25%.
This marks the Fed’s first rate cut of the year and the lowest level for the benchmark rate since late 2022.
Slowing job market prompts rate cut
The decision comes as new data shows the US job market weakening, with unemployment edging up to 4.3% and the economy adding only about 29,000 jobs per month over the past quarter.
The Fed’s latest statement acknowledges that job gains have “slowed,” a shift from previous months when the labor market was described as “solid.”
Despite signs of a slowdown, some economic indicators remain positive.
Retail sales in August were stronger than expected and manufacturing output rebounded from the previous month’s decline.
Pantheon Macroeconomics forecasts US economic growth to slow to 1.7% in 2025, down from 2.8% in 2024.
Powell faces political pressure
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is set to address reporters following the announcement.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized Powell for not cutting rates more aggressively, with calls for rates as low as 1%.
Trump has also attempted to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook, though a federal appeals court ruled that she could remain in her post.
The president’s efforts to influence Fed policy and appointments have raised concerns about the central bank’s independence.
Former Fed Governor Frederic Mishkin commented on the situation:
“Under normal circumstances the Fed should be even more aggressive. But the world is not normal now.”
Independence of the Fed under scrutiny
Recent developments, including the Senate confirmation of Stephen Miran to the Fed board and Trump’s pressure on Powell and other board members, have fueled debate over the institution’s ability to remain independent from the White House.
Senator Elizabeth Warren warned that Miran could be perceived as a “puppet” lacking independence.
Markets and investors watch for future signals
Investors are closely monitoring the Fed’s statement and Powell’s comments for signals about future monetary policy decisions. The rate cut is widely seen as a move to support an economy facing mixed signals but is unlikely to end the debate over the Fed’s autonomy or political pressures moving forward.
