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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

“It is tempting to romanticize the idea of lower interest rates, particularly from a borrowing perspective. But the reason for lower interest rates is very important. We want interest rates to come down because inflation pressures are easing, not because the economy is weakening.”

– Greg McBride, CFA

Fed skips another interest rate cut, warns of ‘potential’ for stagflation

The Federal Reserve voted on Wednesday to keep interest rates steady for the third consecutive meeting even while acknowledging that unemployment could increase, a decision that signals officials are more concerned about inflation than the possibility of a recession.
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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

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About Bankrate
Greg McBride

Greg McBride, CFA Arrow Right Icon

Chief 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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These policymakers will influence the crucial debate of when to cut interest rates.
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Officials want to know if stubborn inflation is a trend or just a bump in the road.
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Now a cornerstone of Fed policy, the balance sheet has big implications for your wallet.
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Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
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The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
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Trump’s tariffs could raise prices and unemployment, backing the Fed in a corner.
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You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
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This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
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