Dueling polls on Fed’s next move suggest the safe bet is a July rate cut

Traders in futures markets are signaling a 22.5% probability of a Fed rate cut next week and an 86% chance of a cut at or before its July 30-31 meeting, according to CME Group. Economists polled by The Wall Street Journal gave a different picture: About 0.5% said they expect a move next week and 40% pegged it to the July gathering. That makes July the safe bet, with perhaps language added to the FOMC’s June statement aimed at reassuring markets.