Mandel Ngan / AFP via Getty Images Fed officials are divided about whether to cut rates to boost the job market, or keep them higher for longer to fight inflation. Key Takeaways The Federal Reserve will meet on Dec. 9 and 10 to decide whether to cut the fed funds rate for a third consecutive meeting. Both sides of the Fed's "dual mandate" are deteriorating, and the Fed also lacks data due to the government shutdown that ended in November. The Federal Reserve's policy committee meets next on Dec. 9 a ...