A Tricky Moment for the Fed

The Fed Is Taking It Slow. But the Markets Want More.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/01/business/interest-rates-federal-reserve-stocks-bonds.html
Vague comments about possible future rate cuts were all that central bankers gave the markets. Patience will be difficult at this tricky moment, our columnist says.
 
Powell Navigates ‘Toxic’ Politics of Rate Cuts as Election Nears
https://www.wsj.com/economy/central-banking/fed-interest-rate-cuts-election-2024-843cc25a
 
What’s the Right Interest Rate for the Fed Anyway?
https://www.wsj.com/economy/central-banking/whats-the-right-interest-rate-for-the-fed-anyway-b648fc4e
Standard models watched by economists at the Federal Reserve and elsewhere suggest that rates should now be lower

FOMC STATEMENT (I have highlighted the section worth emphasizing):

https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20240131a.htm

Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace. Job gains have moderated since early last year but remain strong, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inflation has eased over the past year but remains elevated.
The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run. The Committee judges that the risks to achieving its employment and inflation goals are moving into better balance. The economic outlook is uncertain, and the Committee remains highly attentive to inflation risks.
In support of its goals, the Committee decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 5-1/4 to 5-1/2 percent. In considering any adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the Committee will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks. The Committee does not expect it will be appropriate to reduce the target range until it has gained greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward 2 percent. In addition, the Committee will continue reducing its holdings of Treasury securities and agency debt and agency mortgage-backed securities, as described in its previously announced plans. The Committee is strongly committed to returning inflation to its 2 percent objective.
In assessing the appropriate stance of monetary policy, the Committee will continue to monitor the implications of incoming information for the economic outlook. The Committee would be prepared to adjust the stance of monetary policy as appropriate if risks emerge that could impede the attainment of the Committee's goals. The Committee's assessments will take into account a wide range of information, including readings on labor market conditions, inflation pressures and inflation expectations, and financial and international developments.