Bank of America has recently highlighted significant economic concerns, particularly regarding inflation, which may lead the Federal Reserve to adopt a cautious stance in its monetary policy decisions. In a report issued on January 9, U.S. economist Aditya Bhave noted that “increasing signs point to a rising trend in inflation.” The dynamics surrounding the anticipated government transition indicate that the Fed might have already executed its final interest rate adjustment within this cycle.
Bhave emphasized that inflationary pressures were a concern prior to the introduction of any fiscal stimulus or tariff measures. These potential policy shifts introduce upward risks to the Fed’s core PCE forecast, which is projected at 2.8% by the end of 2025. Notably, if tariffs are implemented soon after the new administration’s inauguration, further rate cuts from the Fed could be off the table, solidifying the current economic trajectory.