ME News message, December 17 (UTC+8), the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce pointed out that the non-farm payroll data reflects a further weakening of the U.S. labor market. On the other hand, resilient consumption indicates that demand remains relatively favorable. Overall, this may prompt Federal Reserve policymakers who held differing views at the last meeting to reassess their positions and increase the likelihood of an early rate cut in 2026. That said, Goolsbee and Schmidt were the two main opponents who called for keeping interest rates unchanged last week, but they will be stepping down from their committee seats next year, likely to be replaced by Harmack and Logan, who may be more hawkish. Therefore, changing their minds to make them more resolute about cutting rates will be a daunting task. However, the cooling labor market will continue to weaken their resolve, as the balanced evidence from the data undermines the Fed's justification for maintaining interest rates. Thus, the likelihood of the Fed easing monetary policy earlier in 2026 is increasing. (Jin Shi) (Source: ME)