Overview
- Economists widely expect a 25 basis-point move that would set the target range at 3.50–3.75 percent, following cuts in September and October.
- Traders are fixated on Jerome Powell’s press conference for guidance on whether easing continues or pauses into 2026.
- An upside surprise in U.S. job openings to 7.67 million has complicated expectations for further near‑term cuts.
- Fed officials are publicly divided between hawks worried about persistent inflation and doves prioritizing support for a weakening labor market.
- President Donald Trump is pressing for faster easing and reshaping Fed leadership, with reports flagging Kevin Hassett as a leading candidate to succeed Powell.