Core Insights - The Federal Reserve has cut the federal funds rate three times in 2024 and three times in 2025, leading to a decline in deposit interest rates, including money market account (MMA) rates [1] - The national average rate for MMAs is currently 0.56%, while top high-yield accounts offer rates exceeding 4% APY, significantly higher than the national average [2][9] Group 1: Money Market Account Rates - The importance of comparing MMA rates is emphasized as they vary widely among banks, particularly online banks and credit unions, which offer competitive rates [3][4] - Online banks have lower overhead costs, allowing them to provide higher deposit rates and lower fees compared to traditional banks [4] - Credit unions, being not-for-profit, also offer competitive rates and fewer fees, although membership requirements may apply [5] Group 2: Features and Considerations of Money Market Accounts - Money market accounts are suitable for short-term savings goals, offering higher interest rates than regular savings accounts and easier access to funds compared to CDs [5][7] - These accounts are considered low-risk and are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution, making them safer than money market funds [6] - Many MMAs require a minimum balance to earn the highest advertised rate, and failure to maintain this balance may result in fees or lower rates [6] Group 3: Accessibility and Usage - While MMAs allow for easier access to funds, they may limit the number of transactions per month, which is a consideration for those needing frequent access [7] - MMAs are recommended for individuals looking to earn more interest than a regular savings account without locking funds in a CD, provided they can maintain the minimum balance [7][8]

Core Insights - The article discusses the current state of money market account (MMA) rates, highlighting the importance of earning competitive rates as interest rates decline following recent Federal Reserve rate cuts [1][4]. Group 1: Current MMA Rates - The national average interest rate for money market accounts is 0.58%, while top rates can exceed 4% APY, comparable to high-yield savings accounts [2]. - Quontic Bank and HUSTL currently offer the highest MMA rates at 4.1%, which is over seven times the national average [7]. Group 2: Interest Rate Trends - Deposit account rates, including money market rates, are influenced by the federal funds rate set by the Federal Reserve. When the Fed lowers its rate, deposit rates typically decrease [3]. - Following three rate cuts by the Fed, money market rates are expected to continue declining, suggesting that now may be a critical time for savers to take advantage of higher rates [4]. Group 3: Considerations for MMA Investment - Money market accounts are appealing for savers seeking safety, liquidity, and better returns than traditional savings accounts, especially in the current elevated interest rate environment [5]. - Factors to consider when investing in an MMA include liquidity needs, savings goals, and risk tolerance. These accounts provide easy access to funds and are FDIC insured, making them a safer option for conservative savers [6].

Group 1: Treasury Yields and Economic Indicators - The yield on the 10-year Treasury note was 4.18% as of January 9, 2025, while the 2-year note was at 3.54% and the 30-year note at 4.82% [1] - An inverted yield curve, where longer-term Treasury yields are lower than shorter-term yields, is a reliable leading indicator for recessions, with the 10-2 spread turning negative before recessions [2][3] - The average lead time to a recession based on the first negative spread date is approximately 48 weeks, while using the last positive spread date yields an average lead time of 18.5 weeks [4][6] Group 2: Mortgage Rates and Federal Funds Rate - The Federal Funds Rate (FFR) influences borrowing costs for banks, which typically leads to higher mortgage rates when the FFR increases; however, recent trends show mortgage rates declining despite the Fed's rate-cutting cycle starting in September 2024 [7] - The latest Freddie Mac Weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey reported the 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.16%, marking one of its lowest levels since October 2024 [7] Group 3: Treasury ETFs - ETFs associated with Treasuries include Vanguard 0-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF (VBIL), Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF (VGIT), and Vanguard Long-Term Treasury ETF (VGLT) [9]

Core Insights - The article discusses the current state of money market account (MMA) rates, highlighting the importance of earning competitive rates as interest rates decline following recent Federal Reserve rate cuts [1][4]. Group 1: Current MMA Rates - The national average interest rate for money market accounts is 0.58%, while top rates can exceed 4% APY, comparable to high-yield savings accounts [2]. - Quontic Bank and HUSTL currently offer the highest MMA rates at 4.1%, which is over seven times the national average [7]. Group 2: Interest Rate Trends - Deposit account rates, including money market rates, are influenced by the federal funds rate set by the Federal Reserve. When the Fed lowers its rate, deposit rates typically decrease [3]. - Following three rate cuts by the Fed, money market rates are expected to continue declining, suggesting that now may be a critical time for savers to take advantage of higher rates [4]. Group 3: Considerations for MMA Investment - Money market accounts are appealing for savers seeking safety, liquidity, and better returns than traditional savings accounts, especially in the current elevated interest rate environment [5]. - Factors influencing the decision to invest in an MMA include liquidity needs, savings goals, and risk tolerance. These accounts provide easy access to funds and are FDIC insured, making them a safer option for conservative savers [6].

Core Insights - The yield on the 10-year Treasury note finished at 4.18% on December 31, 2025, while the 2-year note ended at 3.47% and the 30-year note at 4.84% [1] - The inverted yield curve, where longer-term Treasury yields are lower than shorter-term yields, is a reliable leading indicator for recessions, with the 10-2 spread turning negative before recessions [2][3] - The average lead time to a recession based on the first negative spread date is approximately 48 weeks, while using the last positive spread date yields an average lead time of 18.5 weeks [4][6] Treasury Yield Analysis - The 10-3 month spread also indicates lead times to recessions ranging from 34 to 69 weeks, with similar patterns observed as in the 10-2 spread [5] - The most recent negative spread for the 10-2 occurred from July 5, 2022, to August 26, 2024, while the 10-3 month spread was negative from October 25, 2022, to December 12, 2024 [3][5] Mortgage Rate Trends - The Federal Funds Rate (FFR) influences borrowing costs, and typically, an increase in the FFR leads to higher mortgage rates; however, recent trends show mortgage rates declining despite the Fed's rate-cutting cycle starting in September 2024 [7] - The latest Freddie Mac Weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey reported the 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.15%, the lowest since October 2024 [7] Market Behavior and Federal Reserve Influence - Federal Reserve policy has significantly influenced market behavior, particularly in relation to Treasury yields and mortgage rates [8]

Core Insights - The Federal Reserve is expected to hold its key interest rate steady during the upcoming meeting on January 27 and 28 after a series of recent cuts aimed at addressing job market concerns [1][9]. Interest Rate Decisions - The Federal Open Market Committee will consider whether to cut the federal funds rate from its current range of 3.5% to 3.75% [2]. - Recent cuts of a quarter percentage point at the last three meetings were intended to prevent a slowdown in the job market from escalating into higher unemployment [2][9]. - Fed officials are divided on whether to cut rates to support the job market or maintain higher rates to combat inflation, which has been above the target of 2% since 2021 [3][9]. Economic Implications - The current economic landscape poses a risk of "stagflation," characterized by stagnant growth, high inflation, and a weak job market, which the Fed aims to avoid by appropriately setting the fed funds rate [6]. - The influence of the fed funds rate extends to borrowing costs for short-term loans, impacting consumer spending and overall economic activity [5]. Perspectives from Fed Officials - Some officials, like Beth Hammack, advocate for holding rates steady for several months to gather clearer evidence on inflation and employment trends [7][8]. - Hammack noted that inflation has been above the target for nearly five years and emphasized the importance of bringing it down [8]. - Conversely, other officials, such as Stephen Miran, argue for steeper rate cuts to mitigate recession risks, highlighting concerns over the faltering job market and hiring uncertainties [11][12].

Let's bring in Moody's Analytics chief economist Mark Xandandy who I assume Mark you've you've been listening in. Do you do you have a do you do you have an opinion on on one or the other and qu this question about credibility and how close they are to the president. >> I think they're both reasonably good choices, Sarah. I mean I I know Kevin I guess they're both Kevin.I know them pretty well. They're good economists. They are very experienced.Uh both uh lived and worked through the financial crisis. So th ...

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve has decided to lower the target range for the federal funds rate by a quarter percentage point to 3% to 3.75%, reflecting a balanced approach to managing employment and inflation risks [1][3]. Monetary Policy Adjustments - The committee acknowledges that there are no risk-free paths for policy as it navigates the tension between employment and inflation goals, indicating that the effects of tariffs on inflation are expected to be short-lived [2]. - The recent adjustments to the policy stance are aimed at stabilizing the labor market while allowing inflation to trend down towards the 2% target once tariff effects dissipate [4]. - The median projection for the federal funds rate is 3.4% at the end of 2026 and 3.1% at the end of 2027, remaining unchanged from previous estimates [5]. Implementation of Monetary Policy - The committee has initiated purchases of shorter-term Treasury securities, primarily Treasury bills, to maintain an ample supply of reserves over time, with an initial purchase amount of $40 billion in the first month [6][7]. - The implementation framework indicates that an ample supply of reserves allows the federal funds rate to be primarily controlled by administered rates rather than daily market interventions [8]. - The committee has eliminated the aggregate limit on standing repo operations to support monetary policy implementation and ensure the federal funds rate remains within its target range [8][9]. Commitment to Goals - The Federal Reserve remains committed to achieving maximum employment and stable prices, recognizing the impact of its actions on communities, families, and businesses across the country [9][10].

Our monetary policy actions are guided by our dual mandate to promote maximum employment and stable prices for the American people. At today's meeting, the committee decided to lower the target range for the federal funds rate by a quarter percentage point to 3 to 3 and 3/4%. In the near term, risks to inflation are tilted to the upside and risks risks to employment to the downside, a challenging situation.There is no risk-free path for policy as we navigate this tension between our employment and inflation ...

The committee judged that reserve balances have declined to ample levels. Accordingly, at today's meeting, the committee decided to initiate purchases of shorter term Treasury securities, mainly Treasury bills, for the sole purpose of maintaining an ample supply of reserves over time. Such increases in our securities holdings ensure that the federal funds rate remains within its target range and are necessary because the growth of the economy leads to rising demand over time for our liabilities, including c ...