Powell Pushes for 25-Basis-Point Rate Cut at Final Fed Meeting Despite Dissent, Signals Path for Future Easing

COINOTAG News, citing Wall Street Journal correspondent Nick Timiraos, reports that the Federal Reserve will convene its final two‑day policy meeting of the year starting Tuesday. While as many as half of participants may not back a rate cut, Powell retains decisive influence, with the ultimate call resting on his assessment of the incoming data.

Although dissents have been rare in recent sessions, the report notes Powell appears ready to advocate a rate cut, seeking to assemble sufficient monetary policy consensus to curb dissenting votes. The outcome will shape near‑term expectations for asset markets and the Fed’s signaling language.

One plausible path under consideration is a 25 basis‑point reduction to a target range of 3.50%–3.75%, paired with a post‑meeting statement that signals a higher hurdle for future easing. This approach aims to balance policy tightening with disciplined forward guidance and to calibrate expectations for forthcoming steps.

Recent data present a mixed labor market backdrop. The latest September nonfarm payrolls surprised to the upside, while the unemployment rate rose to 4.4% — the highest since late 2021 — and the August data were revised lower. The central question is whether the slowdown in job growth reflects softer demand or a tighter supply born of reduced immigration; the answer informs crypto markets by shaping liquidity and risk appetite as investors assess the monetary policy path.