Powell Says Fed Is Just at Beginning of Policy Easing Talks.
Fed holds rates steady again and pivots toward cuts in 2024.
Latest dot plot implies three quarter-point cuts next year.
Powell says it’s ‘far too early’ for Fed to declare victory.
Central bank says inflation eased but remains elevated. The Fed held interest rates steady for a third meeting and gave its clearest signal yet that its aggressive hiking campaign is finished by forecasting a series of three quarter-point cuts next year Powell said the committee discussed rate cuts at its meeting this week, but hasn’t ruled out the possibility of another hike if the data calls for it. While Wednesday’s vote was unanimous, there are clear divisions on the committee in their rate outlooks. Eight officials saw fewer than three quarter-point cuts next year, while five anticipated more. The committee is looking for a soft landing for the US economy, not a recession, with unemployment forecast to rise only slightly over the next few years. Markets embraced the more dovish tone by the FOMC and Powell, and are now pricing in the likelihood of the first rate cut in March.