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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

“Following today’s rate cut, the extent of further easing in 2026 remains unclear.”

– Stephen Kates, CFP

A Deeply Divided Fed Cuts Interest Rates Again — But What Comes Next?

The Federal Reserve lowered interest rates again at its final meeting of the year, signaling that Chair Jerome Powell was able to bring enough policymakers over to his side to support a rate cut at a time when both inflation and unemployment are rising. But policymakers see only one rate cut next year, and the committee is still worried about inflation.
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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

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 just lowered interest rates for the first time in four years.
A Black couple talk to a salesperson at a car dealership.
Auto rates will likely not decrease this year. Consider how to still save.
If you’re looking at HE loans or have a variable-rate line of credit, pay attention to the Fed.
US-ECONOMY-FEDERAL RESERVE-RATE-POWELL
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 most investors to approach this type of market is to stick to their long-term plan.
Older couple using a laptop at home.
How lower rates from the Fed can affect bond investors, and four tips for investing in a lower-rate environment.
For three straight surveys, economists have upgraded their job market forecasts.
Economists say the risks of a downturn are still high, even as the economy stays strong.
Man lost in thought as he sits at his office desk
Economists, however, have a different word for describing the economic environment.
Jerome Powell juxtaposed against an illustrated artistic background
Experts are doubting the Fed’s September projections that showed one more rate hike.
Jerome Powell speaking at a podium
Will the Fed keep interest rates too high for too long?
Woman jumping in the air with cash spread out behind her like wings. A now hiring sign hangs in the background.
The strong economy isn’t leading economists to rethink their job market forecasts.
Woman looking at fruit while grocery shopping
How hard will the Fed have to push to slow the economy enough?
Woman covering face with hands. Clouds, caution sign, and cash float cartoonishly behind her
Will a recession not wreck the economy’s party after all — or is it just late?
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.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
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.
Illustration of gift box surrounded by an up arrow representing higher inflation.
Here’s what to skip and what to buy — and how to tariff-proof your budget.
Illustration of woman holding a briefcase in front of two bar graphs representing the deteriorating labor market
It’s a tale of two job markets: secure for job holders, recession-like for job seekers.
Jerome Powell, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, during the National Association of Business Economics (NABE) annual meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Borrowers often don’t notice small rate cuts, and a weakening economy could dull the relief.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaking at a podium at the Fed's post-meeting press conference.
Officials are cutting rates to shore up the job market, but it’s not without risk.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
See what the nation’s top economists are forecasting in Bankrate’s Q3 survey.
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