The Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by 25 basis points as scheduled, with the dot plot indicating only one rate cut next year, with future decisions depending on labor market data

BlockBeats News, December 11th, the Federal Reserve announced a 25 basis point rate cut as scheduled at 3:00 AM Beijing time today, lowering the benchmark interest rate to 3.50%-3.75%. This is the third consecutive rate cut meeting, in line with market expectations, with a cumulative 75 basis points rate cut so far this year.

The Federal Reserve's dot plot forecast indicates a 25 basis point rate cut in both 2026 and 2027.

In his latest article, "Fed Whisperer" Nick Timiraos stated that Federal Reserve officials cut rates for the third consecutive meeting. However, there is a more significant concern about inflation or the labor market, and there is an unusual degree of internal division within the Federal Reserve. Therefore, officials have hinted at a lack of willingness to continue cutting rates.

Furthermore, Federal Reserve Chairman Powell stated in his speech that the labor market appears to be gradually cooling, and inflation levels are still slightly high. Inflation risks are skewed to the upside. September labor market data showed a slight increase in the unemployment rate, significant slowing in job growth, and a noticeable slowdown in labor demand, indicating some softness.

Goldman Sachs analyst Kay Haigh stated that the Federal Reserve has reached the "end point of precautionary rate cuts." She believes, "The next responsibility lies in further weakening labor market data to demonstrate that additional recent accommodative policies are justified.

After Powell's speech, Bitcoin briefly surged above $94,000, then continued to fall back, with the price at $91,918 at the time of writing.