The Federal Reserve news and your money
The U.S. central bank is hiking rates at the fastest pace in decades, impacting how much you pay to borrow and how much you earn when you save. Get advice and stay informed on what to do with your wallet.
The Fed's impact on your wallet
The latest interest rates
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.
As economy slow, mortgage rates retreat
This week's HELOC news and analysis
Current credit card interest rates
Current car loan interest rates
What is the average interest rate for savings accounts?
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Latest Articles
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Forecast survey: Fed seen as keeping rates at rock bottom through yield-curve control
The Fed will turn to new tactics that include capping yields and expanding its balance sheet.
7 min read Jun 05, 2020 -
Survey: America’s top economists expect double-digit unemployment rate into 2021
Forecasts were wide-ranging when it comes to predicting how much damage the pandemic caused.
8 min read Jun 03, 2020 -
The unemployment rate, explained – and why the coronavirus crisis has caused it to skyrocket
Joblessness has surged to catastrophic levels not seen for nearly a century.
9 min read May 08, 2020 -
Here’s what the Fed has to see before lifting interest rates from rock bottom
One of the Fed’s greatest fears is a slow and grueling economic recovery.
8 min read May 08, 2020 -
Fed expects to hold rates near zero until economy has weathered ‘severe’ virus effects
The coronavirus pandemic has brought the U.S. economy to its knees.
5 min read Apr 29, 2020 -
Federal Reserve lifts six-withdrawal limit on savings accounts
Consumers get more access to their savings at a time when they may urgently need it.
3 min read Apr 24, 2020 -
Forecast survey: Economy’s slow rebound from coronavirus free fall will keep Fed on hold until 2022
It could take years for growth and unemployment to return to where they were before the pandemic.
6 min read Apr 24, 2020 -
How the Fed is trying to rescue the economy from the coronavirus with an emergency stash of cash
It’s pushed the Fed down a new, uncharted path.
5 min read Apr 15, 2020 -
Fed drops rates to zero in emergency rate cut due to coronavirus effects
It’s the largest emergency reduction in the Fed’s more than 100-year history.
6 min read Mar 15, 2020 -
Winners and losers from the Fed’s emergency rate cut
Here’s who stands to benefit the most from plunging interest rates.
5 min read Mar 15, 2020 -
Zero interest rates: 5 ways to prepare your finances now
The economy is expected to get rougher, but there are ways to take advantage of declining rates.
4 min read Mar 15, 2020 -
Forecast survey: Expect Fed to slash interest rates near zero in 2020 to battle coronavirus fallout
The fed funds rate could quickly approach zero this year, experts said.
7 min read Mar 12, 2020 -
Here’s how top economists predict the coronavirus will impact the U.S. economy
Predictions range from cautiously optimistic to outright warnings.
4 min read Mar 10, 2020 -
Survey: Coronavirus outbreak has the potential to threaten US economic growth
That’s led the majority of economists to say risks are tilted toward the downside.
8 min read Mar 04, 2020 -
In rare move, Fed issues emergency rate cut to bolster economy from coronavirus
It’s the first emergency move since October 2008, during the Great Recession.
5 min read Mar 03, 2020 -
Fed signals openness to rate cuts as coronavirus outbreak fuels economic uncertainty
With markets swooning, all eyes are now turning to the Fed.
5 min read Feb 28, 2020 -
Was Trump right about the Fed and the need for lower interest rates all along?
The chief executive’s claims weren’t wholly correct — even if they ended up being right.
10 min read Feb 19, 2020 -
Fed holds rates steady, sticks with wait-and-see approach
What will get the Fed off the sidelines?
8 min read Jan 29, 2020 -
January Fed forecast: Experts say rates will stay put, but here’s what could shift policy
The Fed will stay on the sidelines for an extended period, experts predict.
5 min read Jan 24, 2020 -
Short-term CDs are still a smart money move, thanks to the Fed
With the Fed likely holding steady on rates for now, short-term CDs still look like a good option.
3 min read Jan 24, 2020