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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

“The biggest question now is how the Federal Reserve will respond to mounting concerns about the ongoing government shutdown, its risks to the economy and how it may influence future policy decisions.”

– Stephen Kates, CFP

The Fed Cut Interest Rates Again. Here’s How Your Wallet Could Feel It.

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the second straight meeting, a sign that officials are more focused on safeguarding the job market and shielding the economy from a recession than reining in rising 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.

Experts in all things finance

Our expert reporters and editors bring the news and analysis you need—backed by data and firsthand experience.

About Bankrate
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Stephen Kates, CFP Arrow Right Icon

Bankrate Financial Analyst

Sarah Foster

Sarah Foster Arrow Right Icon

Principal U.S. Economy Reporter

Mark Hamrick

Mark Hamrick Arrow Right Icon

Senior Economic Analyst

Latest articles

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Does the Fed interest rate affect car loans? Yes, it does: It has a domino effect that can raise or lower auto loan rates.
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The Federal Reserve just lowered interest rates for the first time in four years.
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Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
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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.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
Bankrate analyzed the Fed’s historic rate moves for clues on what might come next.
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Every financial decision you make is impacted by the Federal Reserve.
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Officials are cutting rates to shore up the job market, but it’s not without risk.
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Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
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Rate cuts usually help your budget. This time, the impact may be barely noticeable.
Image of Jerome Powell above the Federal Reserve Building.
A July rate cut may be off the table, but could a cut in September still be in play?
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A slowdown may already be underway in the once formidable U.S. job market.
Design element with Jerome Powell
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
Jerome Powell, chair of the US Federal Reserve, during a news conference following a Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.
The Fed has now gone six months without cutting interest rates.
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This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
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Tariffs haven’t created much inflation. You still won’t hear the Fed say all clear.
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Powell is concerned tariffs could lead to more inflation. This former Fed official has a different view.
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Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
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