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18 September 2024 / Brief
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Copy LinkThe Fed offered something for everyone today, offering a sizable interest rate cut for doomsayers, but also an upbeat assessment of the US Economy for those who are more optimistic.
The Fed cut interest rates by 50 basis points at its September 2024 Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting (Figure 1). This probably reflected mounting concerns about downside risks to the labor market as hours are being cut in some parts of the country and payroll employment over the last year or so might be revised downward.
However, the Fed did provide a rather glowing assessment of the US economy, believing GDP growth remains solid, the labor market is still healthy, and inflation is trending back to the 2-percent target. Moreover, the Chair of the Fed did not believe the economy is susceptible to a shock that would cause an economic downturn.
Markets and observers were divided over whether the central bank would start its rate cutting cycle to reduce monetary policy restrictiveness by 25 or more basis points. The decision to cut by one half per
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PRESS RELEASE
The LEI for Germany Increased in November
January 20, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
The LEI for the UK ticked down in November
January 16, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
LEI for Australia Rose in November
January 16, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
LEI for Brazil Continued to Increase in December
January 15, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
LEI for Spain Increased in November
January 14, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
LEI for Japan inched up in November
January 12, 2026
All release times displayed are Eastern Time
Note: Due to the US federal government shutdown, all further releases for The Conference Board Employment Trends Index™ (ETI), The Conference Board-Lightcast Help Wanted OnLine® Index (HWOL Index), The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® of the US (US LEI) and The Conference Board Global Leading Economic Index® (Global LEI) data may be delayed.
This report identifies trends to help businesses prepare for an environment with more challenges for labor and capital but improvements in productivity growth.
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