PANews reported on December 7th that, according to Jinshi News, National Economic Council Director Hassett stated that unless some kind of "black swan" disruption occurs, "we are going to have a golden year in economic history." He added that he would be "disappointed" if growth in the first and second quarters of next year is only 3%. "The growth rate could easily be another percentage point higher." Furthermore, Hassett reiterated his expectation that Federal Reserve policymakers will lower interest rates at next week's meeting. "Now is a good time for the Fed to cautiously cut rates again."