Fed's Aggressive Rate Cut Signals Focus on Employment

According to Odaily, a research report from China International Capital Corporation (CICC) indicates that the Federal Reserve's recent decision to implement a more aggressive 50 basis point rate cut was unexpected. The monetary policy statement highlighted that recent inflation data has given policymakers increased confidence in achieving the 2% inflation target. This move suggests that the Fed's response function has shifted from focusing solely on inflation to prioritizing employment. The report interprets this as a signal that the Fed has a low tolerance for rising unemployment and that officials are unwilling to jeopardize the prospects of a 'soft landing' for the economy. Based on statements from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, the report suggests that any unemployment rate exceeding 4.4% could trigger further rate cuts. This indicates that the Fed will maintain a dovish stance until labor market data stabilizes. Looking ahead, the likelihood of a soft economic landing in the short term has increased due to the Fed's more substantial rate cuts.