The Case for a Fed Rate Cut and Its Implications for Risk Assets

The Federal Reserve’s September 2025 meeting has become a focal point for investors, with markets pricing in an 85% probability of a 25-basis-point rate cut amid a fragile labor market and inflationary pressures from tariffs [3]. This potential easing reflects a delicate balancing act: supporting employment while guarding against renewed inflation risks. For risk assets, the implications are profound, offering both opportunities and pitfalls for strategic positioning.

The Case for a Rate Cut: A Fragile Equilibrium

The Fed’s latest policy statement underscores a divided FOMC, with dissenters like Christopher Waller and Michelle Bowman advocating for immediate action to address a labor market that is “weakening” and a Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) that has dipped to 98.7, signaling recessionary risks [1]. While core inflation remains elevated at 3.1%, driven by tariff-induced cost pressures, the broader economy is projected to grow 1.6% in 2025 [2]. This divergence—between inflation persistence and growth moderation—has created a policy crossroads. Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s cautious stance, emphasizing a “careful” approach to rate cuts, highlights the central bank’s reluctance to overreact to short-term volatility [4]. Yet, with unemployment rising to 4.2% and job gains in July 2025 at a paltry 73,000, the case for easing is gaining urgency [1].

Strategic Positioning in Equities: Growth vs. Value

Historical data reveals a clear pattern: large-cap equities, particularly those in long-duration sectors like technology, tend to outperform during rate-cutting cycles [5]. The Mag-7 stocks (Alphabet,

For strategic positioning, overweighting AI-driven technology and renewable energy sectors appears prudent. These sectors not only align with secular growth trends but also benefit from reduced borrowing costs and increased corporate investment [3]. Emerging markets and Japan, with their undervalued equities, also offer compelling opportunities as global capital seeks yield in a low-rate world [5]. However, investors should remain cautious about overexposure to small-cap stocks, which, while historically resilient in easing cycles, have underperformed large-cap peers in recent cycles due to economic uncertainty [4].

High-Yield Bonds: A Yield-Driven Attraction

High-yield bonds present a dual appeal: attractive yields and potential capital appreciation. With the Bloomberg U.S. High Yield Index offering a yield to worst of 7.3%—compared to the S&P 500’s 4.7% earnings yield—these bonds are increasingly competitive [3]. Historically, high-yield bonds have returned an average of 4.44% in the 18 months following a Fed rate cut, provided no recession follows [2]. The September 2024 rate cut, which reduced recession odds, has bolstered this case [3].

Strategically, investors should consider a balanced approach: extending bond duration selectively while retaining short-to-intermediate maturities to mitigate reinvestment risk [5]. Diversifying into global infrastructure and active stock selection in consumer-oriented sectors can further enhance returns. For inflation hedging, TIPS and commodities remain essential, given the lingering risks from tariffs and global supply chain disruptions [5].

Historical Context: Lessons from Past Cycles

The S&P 500 has historically returned ~14.1% in the 12 months after the first Fed rate cut, with large-cap stocks outperforming mid- and small-cap peers [5]. However, volatility spikes in the three months preceding the initial cut suggest the need for defensive positioning. High-yield bonds, meanwhile, have shown resilience in non-recessionary easing cycles but face significant downside risks if economic deterioration accelerates [2].

Conclusion: Navigating the Fed’s Tightrope

The Fed’s September decision will likely shape the trajectory of risk assets in 2025. For equities, the focus should remain on growth sectors and global opportunities, while high-yield bonds offer a compelling yield premium. Investors must, however, remain vigilant to the Fed’s balancing act—where a misstep could reignite inflation or deepen labor market weakness. As history shows, strategic positioning during rate cuts requires both conviction and flexibility.

Source:
[1] The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® for the US in July 2025 [https://www.conference-board.org/topics/us-leading-indicators/]
[2] The Fed's Big Cut May Favor High Yield Bonds [https://www.troweprice.com/financial-intermediary/pt/en/thinking/articles/2024/q4/the-feds-big-cut-may-favor-high-yield-bonds.html]
[3] Federal Reserve Rate Cuts: Reshaping Equity and Bond Markets [https://www.ainvest.com/news/federal-reserve-rate-cuts-reshaping-equity-bond-markets-2025-2508/]
[4] Small-Caps, Large-Caps, and Interest Rates [https://blogs.cfainstitute.org/investor/2024/08/01/small-caps-large-caps-and-interest-rates/]
[5] U.S. Equity Market Performance Following the First Fed Funds Rate Cut [https://sterlingcapital.com/insights/u-s-equity-market-performance-following-the-first-fed-funds-rate-cut/]