CME Data Shows 97% Chance Fed Will Hold Rates Steady

CME FedWatch continues to show low March rate-cut odds, but mid-2025 probabilities rise, indicating growing market openness to Federal Reserve easing later in the year.

Summary

As of the latest update, CME FedWatch indicates an 84.7% probability that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged in March, with a 15.3% chance of a 25 basis point cut. By June, market expectations show a 48.3% probability of a 25bps cut, 16.4% for a 50bps cut, and 1.6% for a 75bps reduction. These figures mark an increase from earlier data that showed only a 2.8% chance of a March cut and no probabilities for larger moves, suggesting markets are preparing for more significant easing possibilities in mid-2025.

Terms & Concepts
  • Basis Point: A common unit of measure for interest rates, equal to one hundredth of a percentage point (0.01%).
  • CME FedWatch: A tool provided by CME Group that uses futures market data to estimate the probability of changes in Federal Reserve interest rates.
  • Rate Cut: A reduction in the benchmark interest rate set by a central bank, typically aimed at stimulating economic activity.