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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.
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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

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.
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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.
Federal Reserve Bank Chair Jerome Powell at a news conference
Economists and investors still expect the Fed to start cutting interest rates in September.
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These policymakers will influence the crucial debate of when to cut interest rates.
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Behind the slowing economy is a Fed determined to defeat red-hot inflation.
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The historic rematch likely comes down to whose economic legacy outshines the other.
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All but four officials continue to expect rate cuts in 2024.
Jerome Powell looking stern at a podium
Officials want to know if stubborn inflation is a trend or just a bump in the road.
Federal Reserve seal
Now a cornerstone of Fed policy, the balance sheet has big implications for your wallet.
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.
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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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