[Hassett Calls for a 50 Basis Point Rate Cut Ahead of FOMC Decision] BlockBeats News, December 11, Kevin Hassett, Director of the U.S. White House National Economic Council, stated that stronger data might support a 50 basis point rate cut, reiterating that the Federal Reserve still has ample room to lower interest rates. 'The futures market expects the Federal Reserve to cut rates by 25 basis points. A 25 basis point rate cut would be a small step in the right direction.' (Jin10)