Fed Announces Emergency Rate Cut to Fight Coronavirus Economic Risks

The Federal Reserve announced an emergency interest rate cut Tuesday, saying it was slashing its benchmark target by half a percentage point to combat the risks by the global outbreak of the coronavirus.

This was the largest move in interest rates since the Fed cut rates during the financial crisis and the first emergency cut since late 2008. Typically, the rate target only moves its rate target at scheduled meetings. The next meeting is set to begin in two weeks.

“The fundamentals of the U.S. economy remain strong. However, the coronavirus poses evolving risks to economic activity. In light of these risks and in support of achieving its maximum employment and price stability goals, the Federal Open Market Committee decided today to lower the target range for the federal funds rate by 1/2 percentage point, to 1 to 1‑1/4 percent,” the Fed said in a statement.

In a press conference held after the announcement, Fed chair Jerome Powell said outbreak had disrupted economic activity in many countries and led to “significant movements” in financial markets.

House Republican from Florida announces he won’t seek re-election this year

WATCH: Hearing erupts after Dem chair tries to sidestep GOP transgender sports bills: ‘They’re petrified’

Florida man allegedly shot woman in neck, dragged her back inside before hiding in backyard pool

California governor’s debate turns chaotic as candidates chase breakout moment

Illegal immigrant accused of killing newlywed couple in Oregon crash arrested by ICE after jail release

Pentagon urges Congress to codify ‘Department of War’ name change it estimates will cost $52 million

Biden Admin Used a ‘Code Word’ to Conceal Loans to Planned Parenthood, Senator Alleges

Reagan shooter calls link to Washington hotel ‘spooky’ after alleged Trump assassination attempt at same site

Self-Avowed ‘Socialist Socialite’ Roasted After Mocking Budget Dress Worn by Hegseth’s Wife

Teacher’s ‘Disgusting’ Comment About White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting Gets Him Placed on Leave

US Secret Service arrests suspect after barrier breach near White House during King Charles’ visit

CNN Admits Trump Suspect Parroted Mainstream Dem ‘Hitler’ Rhetoric, Was Radicalized Around Election

DHS taunts media for reporting about ‘Green Bay man’ illegal immigrant charged in vicious machete attack

Ghost in the gallery: George Washington looks on as King Charles addresses Congress

Hot Mic: Fox’s Jimmy Failla Mocked WHCD Security Before Shooting: Might as Well Be ‘A Doorstop and a Scarecrow’

“The virus and the measures being taken to contain it will surely weigh on economic activity both here and abroad for some time,” Powell said.

The rate cut comes after ten days or so of mounting concerns over the coronavirus roiling financial markets. President Donald Trump has urged the Fed to take action a number of times over the past week, arguing that the central bank had to deploy a more accommodative monetary policy to deal with the economic risks because Democrats in Congress were unlikely to vote for a tax cut to stimulate growth.

Powell denied that pressure from the president had played any role in the decision to cut rates, saying the Fed had only taken into account its analysis of the economic situation in light of its mandate to foster price stability and maximum employment.

“We’re never going to consider any political considerations whatsoever. We will not do that and it’s very important that the public understand that,” Powell said.

Financial markets themselves have pressured the Fed, pushing longer-term interest rates to record lows and fed funds futures prices to reflect what amounted to a demand by investors that the Fed move off its previous “wait and see” stance.

The first U.S. deaths from the coronavirus were reported Saturday. At the time of the Fed announcement Wednesday, the death toll had climbed to 6. Some have argued that the health impacts in the U.S. are unlikely to be large and described the coronavirus as likely to be similar to a “very bad flu season.” Powell pointed out that the economic toll could still be significant.

“For us what really matters is not the epidemiology but the risks to the economy. So we saw the risks to the economy and chose to act,” Powell explains.