The Federal Reserve is widely expected to announce its first rate cut of 2025 on September 17, 2025, reducing the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to a target range of 4.00%-4.25%. This decision is largely driven by concerns over a weakening labor market, despite inflation remaining above the Fed's 2% target. Many economists also anticipate at least one or possibly more additional rate cuts later this year, with futures markets and surveys suggesting as many as two or three cuts in total by the end of 2025. The September 17 meeting will be closely watched as it marks the Fed's potential shift toward easing monetary policy after holding rates steady for several months.