Fed Officials Deeply Divided on Rate Cuts at December Meeting

• US Federal Reserve's December meeting minutes reveal deep divisions over interest rate cuts.
• Decision to cut rates was 'finely balanced'; six officials opposed, two dissented as voting members.
• Most supported cuts to stabilize the labor market, while others feared stalled progress on 2% inflation target.
• Quarter-point cut to 3.5%-3.75% was the third consecutive move, driven by job creation slowdown.
• Future cuts are uncertain; Fed likely to remain on hold until new inflation or unemployment data emerges.

Why It Matters: Fed officials were deeply divided on December rate cuts, signaling uncertainty for future monetary policy.