Fed Announces Larger Than Expected Rate Cut

The Federal Reserve lowered its discount rate by half a percentage point on Sept. 18 to 4.75-5%, the first cut since 2020. 

The cut was more aggressive than investors had been expecting a week ago, reports the Wall Street Journal. "For all the attention on the Fed, upcoming economic data could still play the biggest role in shaping markets. Stocks have historically performed well in the 12 months after the Fed has started to cut rates — unless the economy has entered a recession during that period," the WSJ reported. 

In announcing its decision, the Fed said, “The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run. The Committee has gained greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward 2 percent, and judges that the risks to achieving its employment and inflation goals are roughly in balance. The economic outlook is uncertain, and the Committee is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate.”