The latest batch of quarterly forecasts from the Federal Reserve showed policy makers have had a change of heart since June about the pace of interest rate cuts in 2024. The latest iteration of the Fed's "dot plot" penciled in two more quarter-point cuts before the end of the year,

The dollar bounced, long-dated bond yields were up and Asian stocks mostly rose after the U.S. Federal Reserve began its easing cycle with a large rate cut, though it tempered that with a balanced outlook as it seeks to keep the economy ticking over.

We concluded that this was the right thing for the economy and the people we serve,” the Federal Reserve chair, Jerome Powell, said, referring to the central bank’s decision to cut interest rates by half a point.