Economist Predicts Deeper Rate Cuts Ahead
The US Federal Reserve has cut interest rates for the third time in a row, and economist William Lee thinks there may be more cuts on the way. Lee, who is the chief economist at the Milken Institute, believes that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is hinting at the need for bigger and faster cuts to interest rates.
A Complex Economic Picture
According to Lee, Powell is dealing with a tough situation. On one hand, the economy is doing well, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth expected to be around 4%. On the other hand, the labour market is showing signs of weakness, with employment growth turning negative.
Lee says that Powell is trying to tell inflation hawks that they are focusing on the wrong issue. He thinks that the current inflation is being artificially inflated by tariffs, and that this effect will wear off soon.
What's Next for Interest Rates?
Lee believes that Powell is hinting at a bigger cut to interest rates, possibly by 50 basis points. He thinks that the current interest rate is too high and needs to be adjusted to help the economy.
The main reasons for this are:
- Weakening labour market: The labour market is showing signs of weakness, which could lead to a recession if not addressed.
- Inflation is not a concern: Lee thinks that the current inflation is temporary and will decrease soon.
- Need for pre-emptive action: Powell is trying to make a case for taking action now, rather than waiting for the situation to get worse.
Overall, Lee believes that the Federal Reserve needs to take action to help the economy, and that a deeper cut to interest rates may be on the horizon.