The U.S. Federal Reserve is widely expected to deliver its second consecutive interest-rate cut this week in an effort to support a softening U.S. labor market. However, extending the easing cycle beyond October could face renewed opposition from some officials who remain concerned about inflation risks.

Market observers note that while the Fed’s dovish faction currently holds sway in internal debates—likely paving the way for another cut this month—hawks on the policymaking panel may still worry that easing too aggressively could destabilize price stability.

Data released last Friday showed that U.S. core inflation in September rose at its slowest pace in three months. While this moderation supports the Fed’s short-term plan for a rate reduction, the overall cooling trend in prices remains insufficient to justify further cuts in the medium term, analysts say.