Following the US inflation data released yesterday, expectations for the first interest rate cut of 2025 increased in September.
While the 25 basis point interest rate cut in September is priced in at over 90%, calls for the Fed to cut interest rates in the US continue unabated.
At this point, the final call came from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, making his clearest call to date. Speaking to Bloomberg TV, Bessent said there was a possibility of a large interest rate cut in September.
Treasury Secretary Bessent, who stated that the FED should cut interest rates by 150-175 basis points, said that the FED should start cutting interest rates with 50 basis points next month. Bessent, who stated that a 50 basis point cut is likely in September, argued that the interest rate should actually be at least 1.5 basis points lower than the current one.
“I think we could enter a series of rate cuts, starting with a 50 basis point cut in September. “Whatever model you look at, it shows we should probably have a 150, 175 basis point lower interest rate.”
Bessent also noted the sharp decline in nonfarm payrolls data as a positive, saying, “This tells me that the probability of a 50 basis point cut is very high. That’s why I’m hopeful about the September meeting.”
Speaking about the Fed chairmanship, Bessent said that 10-11 candidates were being evaluated to replace Jerome Powell when his term ends in May, but the names have not been finalized. Bessent stated that the list includes both current FED officials and individuals from the private sector.
The Treasury Secretary stated that Donald Trump is open-minded about the Fed chair, adding that Trump is looking at names like Janet Yellen and John Taylor.
*This is not investment advice.
