Fed Cuts - Very Dovish Statement

The real statement below, with commentary in bold italics

The Federal Open Market Committee decided today to lower its target for the federal funds rate 25 basis points to 4-1/4 percent. Widely expected

Incoming information suggests that economic growth is slowing, reflecting the intensification of the housing correction and some softening in business and consumer spending. Starting with the outlook for growth. Not even recognizing the strong numbers from Q3. This is very dovish in my estimation. Moreover, strains in financial markets have increased in recent weeks. Today’s action, combined with the policy actions taken earlier, should help promote moderate growth over time. Almost as if they are saying we actively working to stop what is an imminent recession.

Readings on core inflation have improved modestly this year, but elevated energy and commodity prices, among other factors, may put upward pressure on inflation. In this context, the Committee judges that some inflation risks remain, and it will continue to monitor inflation developments carefully.I wouldn't read too much into this. Failure to mention commodity prices in this market would be dereliction.

Recent developments, including the deterioration in financial market conditions, have increased the uncertainty surrounding the outlook for economic growth and inflation. I expected this at the top of the statement.The Committee will continue to assess the effects of financial and other developments on economic prospects and will act as needed to foster price stability and sustainable economic growth. No explicit bias, but one has to assume that we are in a cutting cycle based on the language at the top.

Voting for the FOMC monetary policy action were: Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman; Timothy F. Geithner, Vice Chairman; Charles L. Evans; Thomas M. Hoenig; Donald L. Kohn; Randall S. Kroszner; Frederic S. Mishkin; William Poole; and Kevin M. Warsh. Voting against was Eric S. Rosengren, who preferred to lower the target for the federal funds rate by 50 basis points at this meeting. Wow! This is what caught my attention. No votes, not even Hoenig, to hold and a single preference for 50 bps.

In a related action, the Board of Governors unanimously approved a 25-basis-point decrease in the discount rate to 4-3/4 percent. In taking this action, the Board approved the requests submitted by the Boards of Directors of the Federal Reserve Banks of New York, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, and St. Louis.

I am surprised by the softening of business and consumer spending language. I am surprised at no mention of Q3 numbers. I am surprised that no one voted to hold.

My best guess is this is a way of saying. We see a recession coming. We are working to stop it, but there remains a chance we could be wrong.