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The Federal Reserve and Your Money

Interest rates are a little lower than they used to be, but they’re still near the highest levels in over a decade. Here’s what it means for your wallet.

The latest on the Fed from Bankrate’s experts

“Americans who are hoping for lower borrowing costs should reset their outlook to a world of largely stable interest rates. Making financial decisions based on the assumption of imminent change is likely to lead to frustration.”

– Stephen Kates, CFP

The Fed didn’t cut interest rates. Here are 5 things to watch next.

The Federal Reserve left interest rates alone at its first meeting of the year, keeping borrowing costs at a multiyear high for Americans as policymakers grow more cautious about making future cuts.
Read more

Recent interest rate trends

Every time the Federal Reserve adjusts interest rates, borrowing and savings rates move in lockstep. Compare Bankrate data to see how the latest Fed decision is impacting rates on key consumer products.

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About Bankrate
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Stephen Kates, CFP Arrow Right Icon

Bankrate Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

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Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

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Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

The Federal Reserve’s decisions have ripple effects, including for mortgages.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
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Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
Exterior of Federal Reserve building
Does the Fed interest rate affect car loans? Yes, it does: It has a domino effect that can raise or lower auto loan rates.
Outside of the Federal Reserve building
The Federal Reserve held rates steady at its January 2026 meeting.
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The Fed’s rate hold means loans costs are sticking. Here’s what it means for your business.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell delivers remarks at a news conference.
The best way for investors to deal with the Fed’s interest rate changes? Focus on your long-term investment plan.
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Busting a long-standing workplace taboo, younger workers are being more transparent to achieve equal pay.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building in Washington, D.C.
The Fed’s unconventional tool for fending off recession is being wound down.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks at a post-Federal Open Market Committee press conference
The Fed’s decision is a vote of confidence about the economy.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks to lawmakers at a testimony
The Fed’s massive bond-buying program has about run its course. Here’s how a taper works.
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Experts all along had anticipated higher inflation this year, though the question is how long it will last.
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Here’s where the nation’s top economists see hiring, the Fed and inflation heading over the next year.
A shopper wearing a protective face mask fills a grocery cart with bottled water at a supermarket.
Higher inflation is here, but the big question is whether it’s here to stay or not.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at a testimony before Congress
Here’s how this unconventional policy works to try and keep yields below a certain level.
Jerome Powell, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, during a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting in Washington, DC.
The big question: How long will the Fed be on hold?
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell with a now hiring sign in the background.
The U.S. may dodge a recession, but experts aren’t denying it: Something feels off.
Rates could soon be within range of their pre-pandemic peaks. There’s a catch.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks at a news conference.
Rates are falling, and finance pros say it may be time for Americans to rethink some strategies.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell is superimposed over the Fed Building, looking pensive
Powell is dealing with the most intense division of his eight years as Fed chair.
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Here’s what to skip and what to buy — and how to tariff-proof your budget.
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It’s a tale of two job markets: secure for job holders, recession-like for job seekers.
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