US President Donald Trump has reiterated his call on the Fed to lower interest rates, criticizing the central bank’s decision to keep the federal funds rate unchanged between 4.25% and 4.50%.
The Fed’s two-day monetary policy meeting ended without any adjustments to interest rates, prompting Trump to voice his displeasure, arguing that the rate cut was necessary because the economic impact of U.S. tariffs was becoming increasingly evident.
Meanwhile, Fed officials including Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic signaled a more cautious approach, noting that uncertainty about the direction of the economy remained even as concerns among households and businesses grew.
Bostic said the Fed’s inflation forecast for this year was largely unchanged and that inflation was not expected to return to its 2% target until 2027. Bostic warned that the path to lower inflation would be variable, describing it as “a very bumpy ride.”
Bostic reiterated that the Fed currently only sees one rate cut this year, despite speculation of multiple rate cuts in 2025. Bostic also addressed concerns about tariffs, noting that historically these tariffs have led to a one-time spike in prices, but this time the situation could be different.
While the Fed remains cautious about making abrupt policy changes, Bostic said it is critical to avoid a scenario in which the central bank cuts rates prematurely but is later forced to reverse course. Bostic also said the Fed would respond appropriately if economic conditions weaken significantly.
*This is not investment advice.
