Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates Amid Division and Economic Uncertainty

The U.S. Federal Reserve has cut interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point, responding to liquidity concerns in money markets. The divided decision saw dissent from two policymakers. Chair Jerome Powell indicated uncertainty about future rate cuts, highlighting economic growth limits during the federal shutdown.

The U.S. Federal Reserve executed a quarter-point interest rate cut amid internal divisions, as liquidity worries surfaced in money markets, prompting the central bank to restart modest Treasury security purchases.

This decision, influenced by the absence of government economic data due to the federal shutdown, reflects differing viewpoints among policymakers regarding future rate cuts.

Chair Jerome Powell has signaled that further rate reductions are uncertain, as inflationary pressures have been milder than anticipated. Significant concerns about the job market remain, despite moderate economic growth indicators.

(With inputs from agencies.)