FED CUTS KEY RATE BY ONE-HALF POINT IN AGGRESSIVE MOVE.

Reports that the U.S. Federal Reserve cut its main interest rate by half a percentage point. Intent of action to ward off weakening of economy; Indication that the Fed does not plan to cut rates again; View of economists that the U.S. will have to rely on stimulative fiscal policy to boost economy; Mixed reaction of Wall Street; Implications of the reductions; Economic indicators; Outlook for the U.S. economy. INSET: Fed's Statement on Cutting Interest Rates.