"New Fed News Agency": Regardless of Whether a Ceasefire Agreement is Reached, the Outlook for Fed Rate Cuts Remains Bleak
Nick Timiraos, known as the "New Fed Whisperer," argues that a potential ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran would not brighten the Federal Reserve’s dimming prospects for interest rate cuts. Instead, it would replace one economic challenge with another: an energy shock that could prolong inflationary pressures without severely damaging demand, thereby keeping rates higher for longer.
The Fed’s March meeting minutes revealed that officials were already cautious about cutting rates even before the conflict, as progress on inflation had stalled while the labor market remained stable. While a ceasefire might reduce the risk of a worst-case recession scenario, it could also leave underlying inflation pressures intact. Energy and commodity prices that rose during the conflict may not fully retreat, and financial conditions could loosen amid post-ceasefire optimism.
The Fed is weighing dual risks: a sudden labor market downturn that would warrant rate cuts, and persistent above-target inflation that might require hikes. Although most officials still expect at least one cut this year, some have grown more hesitant. Even if the conflict ends quickly, supply chain "echo effects" and geopolitical vulnerabilities may keep inflation elevated, reinforcing the Fed’s cautious stance.
marsbit7 мин. назад