As of now (December 2024), it is not certain whether the Fed will cut interest rates on December 15, as such decisions are usually announced after the Fed's Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. According to the Fed's normal meeting schedule, the December FOMC meeting** is expected to be held on December 10-December 11, rather than on December 15 specifically. Therefore, the decision on whether to cut interest rates is usually released through an official statement after the meeting.
Factors that may affect the Fed's decision to cut interest rates
Economic growth and inflation levels
Inflation: If inflation remains high, especially core inflation (excluding volatile food and energy prices) still fails to fall significantly, the Fed may not rush to cut interest rates.
Economic growth: If the US economic growth slows, especially when there is weakness in the job market, the possibility of a rate cut increases. The Fed usually stimulates consumption and investment by cutting interest rates when the economy slows.
Fed's policy goals The Fed's dual goals are stable prices and maximum employment. If economic growth is slow and inflation slows, the Fed may consider cutting interest rates to support economic recovery. On the other hand, if inflationary pressures remain, the Fed is more likely to keep interest rates unchanged or continue to raise them.
Market expectations The market generally expects that the Fed may continue to maintain a high interest rate level until inflation falls within the target range. However, if there are drastic changes in the market (such as a sharp drop in the stock market, pressure on the banking system, etc.), the Fed may also make adjustments in response.
Forecast and historical background
At present, the main challenge facing the Fed's interest rate policy is whether inflation can continue to fall back to the 2% target, and the performance of the US economy, the health of the labor market and the global economic environment will also affect the timing of interest rate cuts. If the Fed believes that the economy has sufficient support and inflation is stable and downward, the possibility of a rate cut will increase.
As for the specific date of December 15, unless an emergency statement is unexpectedly issued, the Fed usually makes relevant announcements within a few days after the meeting (such as December 12 or 13).
Conclusion
There is no confirmation that the Fed will cut interest rates on December 15. If you want to know more specific information, it is recommended to pay attention to the results of the December FOMC meeting or the public speech of the Fed Chairman, when decisions on interest rate adjustments are usually announced.