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Key Takeaways From Fed Decision to Cut Rate by Quarter Point

The Marriner S. Eccles Federal Reserve building in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Friday, Oct. 8, 2021. The Senate approved legislation Thursday that pulls the nation from the brink of a payment default with a short-term debt-ceiling increase, breaking a weeks-long standoff that rattled financial markets. Photographer: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg)

(Bloomberg) -- Here are key takeaways from the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision on Wednesday:

  • Federal Open Market Committee votes 11-1 to lower benchmark rate by 25 basis points to target range of 4.25%-4.5%
  • Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack votes against decision in favor holding rates steady, the second such dissent since the Fed began lowering rates in September
  • “Dot plot” of rate projections shows the median official expected to lower rates by a half percentage point in 2025, implying just two quarter-point cuts next year; five of 19 officials penciled in 75 basis points of cuts or more
  • Median Fed official sees inflation rate at 2.5% by end of 2025, up from 2.1% forecast in September
  • Statement maintains language saying risks to achieving employment and inflation goals “are roughly in balance”
  • Statement says that “in considering the extent and timing of additional adjustments” to rates, officials will assess incoming data, evolving outlook and balance of risks
  • Fed says it will reduce the rate it pays lenders using overnight reverse repurchase facility by 30 basis points, effectively lowering the rate by five basis points relative to federal funds target range

For Bloomberg’s TOPLive blog on the Fed decision and press conference, click here

--With assistance from Amara Omeokwe.

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