Fed refocuses on rate cuts on weak labor market: ClearBridge

Jeff Schulze Head of Economic and Market Strategy at ClearBridge Investments

Jeff Schulze, Head of Economic and Market Strategy at ClearBridge Investments, said that despite continued consumption and economic activity, the recent weakness in key labor market trends has prompted the Federal Reserve to refocus on maximum employment as part of its dual mandate.

In a statement to Argaam, Schulze added that the planned rate cuts are logical from a risk management perspective, as the risk of a non-linear decline in the market outweighs the risk of inflation accelerating again, especially given the progress made in price stabilization.

He pointed out that the Fed’s decision to slash interest rates by 50 basis points instead of 25 basis points stems from uncertainty surrounding the interest rate cut decision.