Economists’ Survey: Fed to Cut Rates Again – NMP
Industry News

Economists’ Survey: Fed to Cut Rates Again

Oct 25, 2019
Photo credit: Getty Images/ohmygouche

The will-they-or-won’t-they guessing game involving the Federal Reserve’s rate policy is attracting more bets on the “they will” side, according to a new poll of 40 economists conducted by Bloomberg.
 
In this poll, 85 percent of respondents predicted the central bank’s policymaking Federal Open Market Committee will reduce rates by a quarter percentage point when it concludes its next two-day meeting on Oct. 30. This would bring the target range for the Fed’s benchmark rate to 1.5 percent to 1.75 percent. However, 56 percent of respondents also believed this will be last rate cut for some time–the Fed cut rates in July and September.
 
“It might well be a hawkish cut as Powell will likely signal some resistance to cut rates more,” said Thomas Costerg, senior U.S. economist at Pictet Wealth Management in Geneva, referring to Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.
Still, some economists feel another cut is possible.
 
“China and the U.S. haven’t come to an agreement, Europe is still slow and weak, and Brexit isn’t done,” said Brian Wesbury, chief economist at First Trust Portfolios. “They can’t put a floor under this, because that would argue they’ve already done enough to fix the uncertainty, or that the uncertainty is gone, and it’s not gone.”
 
One person expecting a rate cut is President Trump, who took to Twitter yesterday with another slam at the central bank. “The Federal Reserve is derelict in its duties if it doesn’t lower the Rate and even, ideally, stimulate,” he tweeted. “Take a look around the World at our competitors. Germany and others are actually GETTING PAID to borrow money. Fed was way too fast to raise, and way too slow to cut!”
 
About the author
Phil Hall
Link copied
Published
Oct 25, 2019
Get the NMP Daily
People On The Move
MAXEX Appoints John McNeill Chief Financial Officer

Former Spring Oaks Capital CFO joins digital mortgage loan exchange to lead capital strategy and support growth initiatives

MAXEX has appointed John McNeill as chief financial officer, adding a mortgage finance and capital markets veteran to its executive leadership team.McNeill will oversee MAXEX's financial strategy, including capital formation, capital deployment, financial operations, and cor...

Continue reading
Regulation and Compliance
MISMO Launches AI Governance Framework For Mortgage Lenders

New FRAME toolkit gives lenders, servicers, and technology providers a roadmap for managing AI risk while supporting innovation

As artificial intelligence moves deeper into mortgage operations, MISMO has released a new industry framework designed to help lenders, servicers, and technology providers establish governance around AI use before regulators do it for them.The real estate finance industry's ...

Continue reading
Renew your NMLS License — for free.

Enjoy access to a free NMLS renewal class when you attend an in-person event.

Find an event
More from
Industry News
Trump Names FHFA Director Bill Pulte Acting Director Of National Intelligence

FHFA director will continue overseeing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while serving as acting director of national intelligence

Industry News
Jun 02, 2026
Realtor.com Launches AI Home Search Platform Built With Google

New RealAssist tool combines AI, affordability guidance and Google Maps data to engage buyers before they reach lenders

Industry News
Jun 02, 2026
Another MLS Challenges Zillow In Fight Over Listing Visibility

Realtracs joins MRED in pushing back on Zillow's listing policies, a battle with potential implications for the broader homebuying and mortgage ecosystem

Industry News
May 29, 2026
Gas Prices Are Quietly Reshaping Homebuyer Affordability

Rocket Money data suggests rising fuel costs are adding pressure to already payment-sensitive buyers as mortgage rates remain elevated

Industry News
May 28, 2026
MISMO Targets Costly TRID Fee Cures With New Mortgage Fee Standardization Framework

MBA’s standards organization says inconsistent fee naming still drives costly redisclosures and rework, with fee-related cures affecting more than 30% of mortgage loans

Industry News
May 27, 2026
Zillow-Compass Fight Raises Bigger Questions About The Future Of Mortgage Lead Distribution

Legal battle over private listings and MLS access highlights growing competition to control the homebuyer relationship before borrowers reach a loan originator

Industry News
May 21, 2026