The Federal Reserve is experiencing significant internal divisions as policymakers grapple with the prospect of rate cuts in December. Key figures, including Chicago Fed president Austan Goolsbee, express caution due to concerns about inflation and the ongoing government shutdown. This uncertainty is compounded by a lack of reliable inflation data, leading to a heightened debate among officials about whether to prioritize job stability or address rising prices. As discussions intensify, it appears that the consensus era under Fed Chair Jerome Powell may be coming to an end, marking a challenging period for decision-making ahead of a potentially divisive final interest rate decision.