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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

“Inflation is the type of thing that would keep the Fed on the sidelines, but a sharp slowdown in growth, or a rapid deterioration of the labor market, could prompt the Fed to resume cutting rates.”

– Greg McBride, CFA

March Fed Meeting Preview: How will officials respond to rising recession fears?

Officials on the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) look poised to keep interest rates unchanged when they announce their next interest rate decision today, but they’ll likely stress that their next moves are uncertain, thanks to tariffs, federal layoffs, stricter immigration and more from President Donald Trump’s new administration.
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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
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

Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks at Fed press conference
The higher rates rise, the more Fed watchers wonder: Is the Fed about done?
A stressed mature man goes through his home finances at the dining table
High inflation and interest rates are leading many Americans to rely on credit.
Aerial view of the houses in the suburban areas in Sayerville, New Jersey, USA
The downgrade of U.S. debt created one more reason for mortgage rates to stay at a peak.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks at a press conference after the June rate-setting meeting
The real question is: What will the Fed’s next moves be?
Young forlorn woman sitting down with a suitcase packed
Hit with mounting housing woes, young people ask: Wait it out or make a sacrifice?
Man in a yellow construction jacket and hard hat
Experts, however, still don’t see a labor market as tough as it was during the pandemic.
Woman walking throw a bunch of floating produce items and cash
While the worst of inflation may be over, the battle hasn’t yet been won.
Sign of Wall St, a man falling down, a bundle of cash
A recession hasn’t happened yet, but it’s likely still coming, economists say.
young man falling out of the sky along with various household items and cash
You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
Fed Chair Powell Holds News Conference Following FOMC Rate Decision
This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Still wrestling with inflation, Fed officials might not be so quick to rescue the economy.
Illustration of a US Federal Reserve ink stamp
Every financial decision you make is impacted by the Federal Reserve.
Woman reaching in to the air for cash
Prices rise and fall all the time in the U.S. economy. It’s not always inflation.
Design element with 3 headshot with illustrations of storage containers in the background
The bottom line? Don’t let emotions guide your financial decision-making.
young man falling out of the sky along with various household items and cash
You might not feel better about inflation because prices are still up post-pandemic.
Fed Chair Powell Holds News Conference Following FOMC Rate Decision
This Fed communication tool is important, but be cautious when interpreting it.
Federal Reserve Eccles Building illustration
The key benchmark has been as high as 20 percent — and as low as 0 percent.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
The Federal Reserve announced that it’s holding interest rates steady following its March 18-19 meeting.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Bankrate’s experts are reacting live to the Fed’s latest interest rate decision.
Illustration of Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Still wrestling with inflation, Fed officials might not be so quick to rescue the economy.
Man blocking face by holding a stop sign in front of himself
Rate cuts from the Fed usually help borrowers. They aren’t right now.
Easy mornings and working from home for this couple
Savings yields topping inflation could let you hold onto your purchasing power.
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