đą FED PRESS CONFERENCE INSIGHT â JUNE 2025
Theme: đ§ âPatience and Forecastingâ
The Fed kept rates steady at 4.25%â4.50%, signaling caution despite softening inflation and stable growth. Chair Powell emphasized that policy is âappropriately positioned,â but warned about unseen risksâespecially from tariffs.
đ Shift in Strategy:
While inflation has eased, the Fed is no longer reacting solely to recent data. Instead, itâs prioritizing forecasts. In December 2024, rates were cut with inflation at 2.5%. Now, despite lower spot inflation, the 2025 forecast is 3.1%âdriven by rising trade tensions. Powell stated clearly: policy must move ahead of risk, not behind it.
đ Diverging Views Within the Fed:
The latest dot plot shows internal division:
â 7 members see no rate cuts in 2025
â 8 project two cuts
The median forecast still implies a 50bps reductionâbut consensus is weak.
đ· Labor Market Still Strong (But Fragile):
Unemployment at 4.2% is historically low. Real wages are growing. But Powell noted a fragile balance: layoffs remain low, yet job creation is slowing. If this shifts, unemployment could rise sharply.
â ïž Key Risks Ahead:
â Tariff effects havenât fully hit data yet
â AIâs labor impact remains unclear
â Budget cuts may reduce data quality
â Middle East tensions are being monitored, though energy risks are âcontainedâ
đ« No Political Commentary:
Powell avoided questions about Trumpâs criticism or replacement rumors. His stance: the Fed will stay focused on price stability and employment.
đ Whatâs Next?
Policy framework reviews and SEP updates are expected by late summer. Powell hinted at potential refinements but warned against unnecessary changes.
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Bottom Line:
The Fed isnât rushing. Itâs positioning for long-term credibility, not short-term applause. Donât expect aggressive rate cuts unless risks materialize more clearly.
#FedOutlook #MacroStrategy #MonetaryPolicy