It seems likely that most Federal Reserve officials are leaning against a July 2025 interest-rate cut, with many preferring to wait for more economic data.
There is some division, with a few officials open to a cut if inflation is contained, but the evidence leans toward caution.
Economic indicators, like inflation above target and labor market concerns, may be influencing this stance.
As of June 27, 2025, recent statements suggest that the majority of Fed officials, including Chair Jerome Powell, are not ready for a July rate cut. They want to see more evidence of sustained inflation control and economic stability before acting.
Officials like Susan Collins and Tom Barkin have highlighted the need for more clarity, especially with concerns about tariffs potentially increasing prices. Inflation is at 2.1% in April, above the 2% target, and rising unemployment claims add to the uncertainty.
While markets are pricing in a possible September cut, the Fed's cautious approach reflects a data-driven strategy, with some officials open to later cuts but not in July.
This section provides a detailed examination of the current positions of Federal Reserve (Fed) officials regarding a potential interest-rate cut in July 2025, based on recent statements and economic indicators. The analysis is grounded in the latest available data as of 01:15 AM PDT on Friday, June 27, 2025, and aims to offer a thorough understanding for readers interested in monetary policy and market dynamics.
Recent reports and statements indicate a prevailing sentiment among Fed officials that a July interest-rate cut is premature. The following table summarizes the stances of key Fed officials, based on recent news articles and X posts:
Fed Official | Stance on July Rate Cut | Additional Comments |
---|---|---|
Christopher Waller | Open to lowering rates in July 29-30 meeting if inflation contained | Mentioned in past week, no further details. |
Michelle Bowman | Open to lowering rates in July 29-30 meeting if inflation contained | Mentioned in past week, no further details. |
Jerome Powell | Against July rate cut | Part of nearly a dozen policymakers signaling against July cut. |
John Williams | Against July rate cut | Part of nearly a dozen policymakers signaling against July cut. |
Mary Daly | Against July rate cut, open to fall rate cut | Sees increasing evidence tariffs may not cause large/sustained inflation surge; modal outlook for fall adjustment. Inflation at 2.1% in April, above 2% target. |
Susan Collins | Against July rate cut | Expects to want more information; baseline outlook to resume cutting later in year; possible one or more cuts, data-driven; not seeing urgency. |
Tom Barkin | Against July rate cut | Expects tariffs will put upward pressure on prices; advocates waiting for more clarity before adjusting rates. |
This table highlights a division, with Waller and Bowman open to a July cut under specific conditions, while Powell, Williams, Daly, Collins, and Barkin lean against it, emphasizing caution and the need for more data.
Several economic indicators are likely influencing Fed officials' cautious stance:
Inflation: The Fed’s preferred gauge of inflation was at 2.1% in April, above the 2% target, as reported in recent economic data. This slight overshoot may be a concern for officials wary of cutting rates too soon and risking further inflationary pressure.
Labor Market: Continuing claims for unemployment benefits have jumped to the highest level since November 2021, with a sharp increase over the past six weeks. However, initial jobless claims fell in the week ended June 21, indicating some volatility but also signs of labor market weakness. These mixed signals may contribute to the Fed's hesitation.
Tariff Concerns: Officials like Tom Barkin have expressed concerns that tariffs could put upward pressure on prices, advocating for waiting to see how these pressures manifest before adjusting rates. Mary Daly noted increasing evidence that tariffs may not cause a large or sustained inflation surge, but this uncertainty still supports a wait-and-see approach.
While the majority of Fed officials lean against a July cut, market expectations show some divergence. An X post from @otm_seller on June 26, 2025, suggested "at least 25 basis points rate cut expected in July FOMC meet," which contrasts with official statements. However, another X post from @seth_fin on the same day noted odds for a July rate cut at 26.9%, indicating that market pricing is not aligned with the majority Fed view. This discrepancy highlights the tension between market speculation and official policy, with markets still pricing in cuts by September, as mentioned in an X post by @Moonshot_scout.
Jerome Powell: Recent reports, such as an article from CNN on June 24, 2025, quote Powell as saying it is "too soon" for a July rate cut, emphasizing a cautious "wait and see" approach. This aligns with his testimony on Capitol Hill, where he highlighted the need to assess incoming data .
Susan Collins: Multiple X posts, including one from @LiveSquawk on June 26, 2025, quote Collins saying "July is probably too early for a rate cut," with a baseline outlook to resume cutting later this year, driven by data . She emphasized the Fed has time to carefully assess incoming information, reinforcing a data-driven approach.
Mary Daly: An article from Bloomberg on June 26, 2025, notes Daly sees increasing evidence that tariffs may not cause a large or sustained inflation surge, but she is open to a fall rate cut rather than one in July, citing inflation at 2.1% in April, above the 2% target .
Tom Barkin: Reports indicate Barkin expects tariffs to put upward pressure on prices and advocates waiting for more clarity, aligning with the cautious majority .
The evidence leans toward the majority of Fed officials being against a July 2025 interest-rate cut, with key figures like Powell, Collins, and Barkin emphasizing the need for more data and clarity, particularly given inflation above target and tariff-related uncertainties. While Waller and Bowman are open to a cut if inflation is contained, the prevailing sentiment is caution, with a likely outlook for rate cuts later in the year, possibly in September, as markets anticipate. This division underscores the complexity of monetary policy decisions, balancing inflation control with labor market concerns.
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