The FOMC gave the market what it wanted: a fifty-basis point interest rate cut and an outlook for aggressive cuts to continue through the end of next year. As good as the news is, the outcome is that there is as much uncertainty about the future as there has been all year and a rising risk of heightened stock market volatility.

The Fed made an unexpected half-point rate cut, its first since 2020, as it aims to balance robust employment with its inflation target. Learn more about the economic implications, market reactions and future projections.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell initiated a rate cut today, with the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) lowering the target range for the federal funds rate by 50 basis points to 4.75% to 5.0%. The amended statement emphasized the labor market and the goal of maximum employment.