Scott Horsley
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The six-week government shutdown added to the uncertainty by delaying some key economic reports until after this week's meeting.
Scott Horsley, NPR News, Washington.
The Fed lowered interest rates at each of its last two meetings, but policymakers were divided on whether a third straight cut would be warranted this coming week, inflation still well above the Fed's 2% target, which would ordinarily suggest keeping rates higher.
But the central bank's also concerned about a softening job market, which could be cushioned with lower interest rates.
Investors think those job market worries will take priority at this week's meeting, and the rate-setting committee will opt for another quarter-point cut, but the decision is not likely to be unanimous.
The six-week government shutdown added to the uncertainty by delaying some key economic reports until after this week's meeting.
Scott Horsley, NPR News, Washington.
The Fed lowered interest rates at each of its last two meetings, but policymakers were divided on whether a third straight cut would be warranted this coming week.
Inflation's still well above the Fed's 2 percent target, which would ordinarily suggest keeping rates higher.
But the central bank's also concerned about a softening job market, which could be cushioned with lower interest rates.
Investors think those job market worries will take priority at this week's meeting, and the rate-setting committee will opt for another quarter-point cut.
But the decision is not likely to be unanimous.
The six-week government shutdown added to the uncertainty by delaying some key economic reports until after this week's meeting.
Scott Horsley, NPR News, Washington.
Scott Horsley adds that concerns about employment
They're really in a tough spot, you know, because inflation is still well above their target.
And ordinarily, the central bank would try to curb inflation by keeping interest rates high.
But the Fed's also worried about that softening job market.
And the way it usually deals with that is by lowering interest rates.