The Federal Reserve of the United States (Fed, central bank) lowered interest rates by a quarter of a point, for the third consecutive time and in the face of divided opinions, due to concerns about the labor market.
The new cut leaves the rates in a range of between 3.50% and 3.75%, in line with market expectations.
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The central bank raised its forecast for US gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2026 from 1.8% to 2.3%. Likewise, according to its calculations, inflation will stand at 2.4% and the unemployment rate at 4.4% at the end of next year.
The Fed announced that it also foresees at least one more reduction in interest rates on next yeardue to the risks faced by the labor market.
Criteria division
The division among the 12 members of the Fed’s monetary policy committee grew wider in this vote, as two officials voted in favor of keeping rates unchanged, while another opted for a major discount.
The Fed’s forecasts for next year may change as the federal government releases data. macroeconomic data that had to be canceled due to partial closure or “shutdown“.
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The Fed also faces a turbulent year with the arrival of a new director after the end of the mandate of Jerome Powell in May, as pressure from the president increases donald trump for the central bank to further reduce the rates of interest.
