The Federal Reserve is navigating a complex economic landscape as it prepares for its December meeting, balancing persistent inflation with increasing affordability pressures on lower-income Americans. New York Fed President John Williams emphasized the potential impact of cost burdens on economic resilience. In parallel, U.S. investors are increasingly turning to Japanese equities, with the Nikkei 225 index rising approximately 30% in dollar terms this year. Additionally, former President Donald Trump has proposed a $2,000 cash dividend to households, funded by tariff revenue, though economists have raised concerns about the plan's fiscal viability.