#美联储降息 $ETH This week, the Federal Reserve's last interest rate meeting of the year is approaching, and it will announce the interest rate decision at 3:00 AM (UTC+8) on Thursday, followed by a monetary policy press conference held by Fed Chairman Powell at 3:30 AM (UTC+8). According to CME FedWatch, the likelihood of a 25 basis point rate cut is 84%. This week's Fed meeting is expected to be one of the most controversial meetings in recent years, with investors focusing on the divergence among policymakers regarding the outlook for rate cuts and the signals sent by Fed Chairman Powell about the future direction of policy. Among the 12 voting members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), 5 have expressed opposition or skepticism toward further easing of monetary policy, while 3 members of the board support a rate cut. Since 2019, there have not been three or more dissenting votes at any FOMC meeting, and the divergence has drawn close attention from dissenters. Important macro data and events are as follows:
Tuesday:
The Reserve Bank of Australia announces the interest rate decision, and RBA Governor Lowe holds a monetary policy press conference;
Wednesday:
U.S. 3rd quarter labor cost index quarterly rate; the Bank of Canada announces the interest rate decision;
Thursday:
The Fed FOMC releases the interest rate decision and economic projections summary, and Fed Chairman Powell holds a monetary policy press conference;
U.S. initial jobless claims for the week ending December 6;
Friday:
The Fed releases data on the financial health of U.S. households from the 2025 Q3 flow of funds report;
2026 FOMC voter, Philadelphia Fed President Harker speaks on economic outlook;
2026 FOMC voter, Cleveland Fed President Mester speaks;
Chicago Fed President Evans participates in a dialogue with the host before the 39th Annual Economic Outlook Symposium at the Chicago Fed.
Market closure reminder: On Wednesday, U.S. stocks on the New York Stock Exchange will close early at 2:00 AM Beijing time; on Thursday, U.S. stocks, stock markets in multiple European countries, South Korea, and Australia will all be closed, and trading of precious metals, U.S. oil, foreign exchange, and stock index futures contracts under CME will be suspended all day, as well as trading of Brent crude oil futures contracts under ICE.
