The Federal Reserve's 50-basis-point interest-rate cut last month was "timely" and was neither reactive, nor proactive, Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson said on Tuesday. "It was timely and consistent" with the Fed's two mandates of attaining 2% inflation and maximum employment,

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has signaled that more rate cuts are in the pipeline, though their size and speed will depend on the evolution of the economy

Looking ahead, the Fed expects to make further rate cuts— possibly another 0.50% in 2024 and 1.0% more in 2025. Additionally, the Federal Reserve now expects the unemployment rate to rise to 4.4% in 2024, and inflation to come down to 2.3%.