The Federal Reserve is widely expected to announce its first interest rate cut of the year on Sept. 17, potentially ushering in a series of reductions that would lower borrowing rates for businesses and consumers.

Economists and investors anticipate a quarter percentage point cut as reports suggest the jobs market is weaker than previously believed . Economists surveyed by Bloomberg expect one or two more rate cuts to follow in 2025.

The decision comes as President Donald Trump tries to exert greater influence over the central bank, raising concerns over its independence from politics.

After months of pushing Fed Chair Powell for aggressive rate cuts, the president has taken action to stack the Fed's board of governors with his appointees. He moved to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook i

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