Powell’s Fed Pulls Trigger on Quarter-Point Cut

The U.S. Federal Reserve nudged its federal funds rate lower by 25 basis points, setting the target range at 4% to 4.25% after signs of slowing momentum in the first half of the year. Job growth has decelerated, unemployment edged higher, and inflation ticked up but remains sticky. Policymakers stressed their commitment to balancing full employment with a 2% inflation target, acknowledging greater downside risks to jobs while keeping an eye on persistent price pressures. The Fed pledged to keep shrinking its Treasury and mortgage-backed holdings, maintaining its balance sheet unwind even as it cuts rates. Officials left the door open to further moves depending on how new data shakes out, pledging flexibility if risks threaten progress. Eleven committee members, including Chair Jerome Powell, voted in favor, while one dissent called for a deeper half-point cut to jolt the economy harder.