Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 5
Citigroup Keeps 3 Fed Rate-Cut Calls as Strong May Jobs Data Bolsters Hawks
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 5

Citigroup Keeps 3 Fed Rate-Cut Calls as Strong May Jobs Data Bolsters Hawks

3 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 5

Summary

  • Citigroup on Friday kept its forecast for three Federal Reserve rate cuts this year, even after a stronger-than-expected May U.S. employment report.
  • Andrew Hollenhorst, Citi’s chief U.S. economist, said the jobs data will push Fed officials at the June 16-17 meeting to focus more on upside inflation risks than labor-market weakness.
  • Citi still expects the labor market to soften over the next three months, a shift it says would steer markets back toward pricing in cuts rather than possible hikes.
  • The stance leaves Citi increasingly isolated among forecasters, underscoring a widening split over whether resilient jobs data can delay any Fed easing in 2026.

Insights

As AI boosts growth but threatens jobs, how will the Fed navigate these conflicting signals for its 2026 rate policy?
Amid a historic energy crisis, can the Fed justify rate cuts while inflation remains stubbornly above its 2% target?