prompt vs cause

[uktous]

Hi,

Question:
Any difference between prompt and cause in the sentence below?

Sentence:
A new U.S. downturn could prompt/cause policymakers to take the aggressive step of setting specific economic guideposts for the direction of interest rates.

Thanks

[Tdol]

Prompt suggest to me that the idea is around and they are given a nudge to do it. Cause is stronger and more direct- without the event, there wouldn't be this step at all.