AsianFin -- U.S. President Donald Trump said he expects the Federal Reserve to deliver a “big cut” to interest rates this week, putting fresh pressure on the central bank ahead of its most closely watched meeting of the year.

“I think you have a big cut,” Trump told reporters on Sunday while returning to Washington. “It’s perfect for cutting.”

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is set to meet on Sept. 17, with economists widely anticipating the Fed’s first rate reduction since December. Markets are betting on at least a quarter-point cut, as policymakers confront a slowing labor market, persistent inflationary pressures, and Trump’s unusually direct campaign for lower borrowing costs.

According to a Bloomberg survey, the median forecast is for a 25 basis-point reduction. Some analysts, however, say Trump’s comments reflect mounting political pressure on the Fed to act more aggressively as economic growth shows signs of cooling.