The pivot from rate hikes in 2022 and 2023 to rate cuts was widely forecast, and a big reason behind the S&P 500's epic 24% return in 2024. Most thought the Fed would continue to put its foot on the economic gas pedal, reducing rates in 2025, too.

The central bank remains cautious, even as calls for rate cuts grow louder from the White House and other policymakers.

The U.S. central bank’s decision to hold interest rates steady in June was unanimously supported, but officials were starting to splinter over the path forward.