The United States anticipates a government shutdown tomorrow, with the Senate likely to vote for reopening over the weekend. This phenomenon has increasingly become frequent in recent years due to the country’s unmanageable debt and rising expenses. Recent statements from two Federal Reserve (Fed) officials offer insights into the economic outlook, particularly relevant ahead of crucial data set to release on Friday.
Fed Officials’ Statements
The Fed is set to make its next interest rate decision at the end of October, nearly a month away. Previously, while making the latest rate cut, the Fed confronted rising inflation and alarming employment levels. Since then, employment has shown recovery signs, aligning with expectations for upcoming data, which may indicate further improvement.
Reviewing recent insights from two Fed members, Collins concluded his speech emphasizing key points:
“By 2025, further easing might be warranted. I cannot dismiss worst-case scenarios for inflation and the labor market. If the economy meets expectations, gradual rate cuts will continue. Aggressive rate cuts risk elevating inflation, but supportive financial conditions allow room to monitor data. Overall, the economic outlook aligns significantly with the Fed’s forecasts, yet inflation risks still need management. Productivity growth may help limit tariffs’ inflationary impact. Households remain concerned about inflation pressure; a moderate or slightly restrictive stance is appropriate. Artificial intelligence, with its broad potential, will be disruptive, though predicting specifics is challenging.”
Similarly, Goolsbee maintained his previous stance in recent comments:
“It appears the US is entering a new wave of tariffs. The labor market remains stable. The impact of a government shutdown on the economy depends on its scope and duration. Short shutdowns minimally affect the economy. Persistent inflation would pose a challenging scenario for the Fed. Hopefully, tariffs result in a one-time, modest price hike. Explaining the rise in service inflation is difficult, as recent hikes largely stem from tariffs. Currently, we experience unusually low employment and layoffs.”
Goolsbee’s statements link the tariff story to Trump’s recent announcements and ongoing issues with China.
“We will impose tariffs on drug companies that do not reach agreements. A 5% to 8% additional tariff will apply without a deal. A shutdown is likely, and irreversible actions might occur during this period.”
Will Rates Decrease?
Earlier statements by Powell, in contrast to more hawkish members, adopted a moderate tone. He highlighted employment fluctuations as critical post-rate decision. Developmental events requiring policy adjustments, identified through employment alarms, can be quelled with definitive and precise data.
Friday’s Non-Farm Payroll and Unemployment Report will provide us with conclusive data. Early projections for JOLTS and the upcoming Friday data suggest employment improvements. Should these confirmations arise, the Fed’s likelihood of bypassing a reduction in October due to sustained inflation could increase.
22:08: The government has shut down.