New Delhi, Sept. 17 -- US President Donald Trump has been pressuring the Federal Reserve to ease its monetary policy. His desire seems likely to come true on Wednesday, when the American central bank is expected to reduce its fed funds rate target by 25 basis points, the first rate cut this year.

Weak payroll data could weigh heavily on the minds of policymakers. In August, the US economy added just 22,000 jobs, while data revisions revealed 13,000 jobs were lost in June, the first loss in almost five years.

If rate-setters hesitate to ease lending, it would be because US inflation is above the Fed's 2% aim, even as US tariffs could drive prices further up.

Yet, even without a dictatorial White House, the Fed's dual mandate might see e...