An interesting research analysis of the SCRAT market

Federal Reserve Chair Walsh pointed out that although eight meetings per year is "an appropriate number" for the FOMC, starting in 2027, one meeting will focus on macro monetary policy strategy without interest rate voting or policy statement issuance. In 2028, such strategic meetings will increase to two, and the number of policy-setting meetings will be reduced correspondingly to six. Walsh stated that this adjustment aims to provide the committee with space to consider more long-term "major issues."

After three dissenting votes in July, there was once again division in this rate decision, with two of the 12 FOMC members opposed, indicating a decrease in hawkish dissent. Among the dissenters, Harker had already voted against holding rates steady in July due to his support for a rate hike, while Cook’s dissent is seen as a rebuke to Trump’s attempt to remove her. This statement changed the description of the economy from “steadily expanding” to “strong expansion,” continued to emphasize that inflation remains high, and newly added that accumulating information will help determine the policy stance needed to ensure inflation returns to target in a timely manner. According to the “New Fed News Agency,” the Fed’s decision to hold rates steady aims to gain time to assess whether further rate hikes are necessary.