The Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions shape the economic landscape, influencing borrowing costs for everything from mortgages and auto loans to business investments. These policy changes directly affect whether businesses expand operations, invest in equipment, or increase staffing. At Employ America, we research how the Fed can better balance its dual mandate, advocating for approaches that prioritize achieving and sustaining full employment while utilizing more targeted tools to address inflationary pressures.
Monetary Policy
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54 Posts
Jul 03, 2025
This is the final post in our multi-part series on the Fed's 2025 framework review and strategy for dealing with supply shocks. Part 1 discusses how the Fed can deal with tariff inflation risks, Part 2 discusses the implications of recent productivity dynamics, Part 3 discusses the Fed&
May 23, 2025
This is the fourth post in our multi-part series on the Fed's 2025 framework review. Part 1 discusses how the Fed can deal with tariff inflation risks, Part 2 discusses the implications of recent productivity dynamics, and Part 3 discusses the Fed's inflation and supply shock
This is the third post in our multi-part series on the Fed's 2025 framework review. Part 1 can be found here and Part 2 can be found here. The Fed has an opportunity to learn valuable lessons and apply those lessons in a forward-looking manner. By revising its
This is the second post in our multi-part series on the Fed's 2025 framework review. Part 1 can be found here. The Fed has an opportunity to learn valuable lessons and apply those lessons in a forward-looking manner. By revising its framework accordingly, Fed policy can be more
Apr 04, 2025
Tariffs are back. With President Trump implementing and still proposing sweeping new import tariffs, the U.S. economy is staring down the barrel of policy-driven price increases and a new round of supply-driven cost-push inflation. If enacted for a long enough period of time, these policies could push up the
The Federal Reserve began the process of normalizing interest rates at the September 18th, 2024 FOMC meeting. While the timing of the first rate cut was telegraphed well in advance, the magnitude—25 or 50 basis points—was not. A week prior to the meeting, market pricing, as well as
We will be hoping for two things at the September meeting this week: a 50 bps cut and minimal upwards revisions to the unemployment rate projections in the Summary of Economic Projections (SEP).
Sep 05, 2024
We see two individually sufficient conditions for the Fed to proceed with a frontloaded interest rate cut in September above 25 basis points: either (1) the unemployment rate is 4.2% or above, or (2) the prime-age 25-54 employment rate declines in both month-over-month and year-over-year terms. Back when we
Almost as notable as the things Powell said were the things he did not. Between now and September, Fedspeak should focus on keeping the Committee’s options open to a 50 bps cut in September.
