-- The Federal Reserve's most recent policy statement had an implied easing bias, but that could soon be removed amid a growing divide among policymakers over the direction of interest rates, Stifel said in a note Thursday.
The Federal Open Market Committee left interest rates unchanged on Wednesday, marking its third consecutive pause.
"In considering the extent and timing of additional adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the committee will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks," the FOMC said, sticking to its stance from March.
That suggests a lingering bias toward rate cuts, Stifel Chief Economist Lindsey Piegza wrote.
But the decision wasn't unanimous. Fed Governor Stephen Miran favored a rate cut, while three officials opposed including an easing bias in the statement. That pushed the ratio of dissents to the highest since 1992, Piegza said.
"While the Fed did not adjust the statement to move from an easing bias to a neutral stance as of yet, several Fed officials voiced support for doing so, suggesting such an adjustment may be coming sooner than later," Piegza said.
"At the very least, the cohort of dissents sends a signal to both the market and new leadership that many agree the data do not support any additional accommodation at this point, and furthermore, any push to implement such will potentially face fierce opposition."
The Senate Banking Committee on Wednesday advanced Kevin Warsh's nomination as Fed chair to the Republican-controlled Senate. Warsh is President Donald Trump's pick to replace Jerome Powell, whose term as Fed chief expires on May 15.
Powell said he will stay on as a Fed governor after his chairmanship ends.
The FOMC pointed out "elevated" inflation amid higher energy prices. Last month, the Fed described inflation as "somewhat elevated."