Here’s a short special column intended to deal with the question of whether the Fed has any particular political inclination to cut — or not cut — rates this close to a Presidential election.  The Fed ALWAYS says it is NOT political — and history bears this out!

In this excellent piece of research (linked below) by JP Morgan Asset Management, you can clearly see that the Fed is not –and has not — been politically motivated.  One highlight from this article:  “Since 1980, the Fed has either hiked or cut rates in every single election except 2012, when rates were at zero and the economy was still healing from the financial crisis. Otherwise, the Fed cut rates in five election years and hiked in five election years.”

If you will click on THIS LINK, you’ll find the entire article, including an excellent graphic showing the history of the various rate cuts and the election results.

The article concludes:  “One theme emerges clearly: whether the Fed was adjusting based on dynamic economic conditions, responding to severe recessions, or following a path already forged, it continued to pursue its dual mandate irrespective of elections.”

Whatever you choose to believe about the election and politics, at least base your financial and economic decisions on facts!