Oil prices were little changed on Thursday after the U.S. central bank lowered its key interest rate as widely expected, while an indication of more rate cuts before year-end raised the prospect of a demand boost spurred by falling borrowing costs. ...

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hoping that mortgage rates will keep dropping following the Federal Reserve's first rate cut since last year? Don't bank on it. As expected, the central bank delivered a quarter-point cut Wednesday and projected it would lower its benchmark rate twice more this year, reflecting growing concern over the U.S. job market. Here's a look at factors that determine mortgage rates and what the Fed's latest move means for the housing market: How rate cuts affect mortgage rates Mortgage rates ...

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve's recent decision to implement a hawkish cut was largely anticipated by the market, indicating a balanced approach to its dual mandate despite concerns about the labor market [1][5][14] Market Reactions - The stock market closed flat following the Fed's announcement, with the 10-year yield also remaining stable, suggesting a lack of volatility in response to the news [6][8] - Over the past three months, the S&P has increased by approximately 10%, while gold prices have risen by 11%, indicating a unique market dynamic where both asset classes are performing well simultaneously [7] Interest Rate Expectations - Market expectations had priced in a 25 basis point cut, with speculation for additional cuts in the future, particularly three consecutive cuts [2][8] - There is a belief that the Fed may become more dovish as it approaches May 2026, when current Chair Powell's term ends, potentially leading to louder dissent among members [9] Economic Indicators - Upcoming inflation readings, particularly the PCE data, are anticipated to influence market sentiment and could be a source of concern for investors [6] - The Fed's message was interpreted as an "insurance cut," rather than the beginning of a new cutting cycle, reflecting ongoing worries about inflation [14]

Alan Blinder, a Princeton University professor and former Federal Reserve vice chair, says the Fed may cut rates more than expected this year if the economy deteriorates on "Bloomberg The Close." The Fed's policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee decided to lower the benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point. ...

Group 1 - The main question regarding the Fed's rate decision is whether financial conditions are currently restrictive, particularly for smaller banks, and the implications of a 25 basis point cut compared to a 75 basis point cut [2][3] - A 25 basis point decrease in rates is expected to benefit all banks, especially regional banks, and improve conditions for clients [3][6] - There is skepticism about the timing of a rate cut given that stocks and real estate values are at all-time highs, inflation remains above the Fed's target, and unemployment is low [4][5] Group 2 - Loan demand is anticipated to increase regardless of the Fed's decision, but a 25 basis point cut could further stimulate economic demand by making it easier for borrowers to meet debt service coverage ratios [6] - Concerns about commercial real estate have not materialized as expected, and recent rate decreases have allowed borrowers to secure better rates than nine months ago [6][7] - The housing market is experiencing stagnation, with poor housing start numbers indicating a need for lower mortgage rates to stimulate activity [8][9] Group 3 - Current mortgage rates have decreased to approximately 6.4%, down from around 7% a few months ago, but there is a need to further reduce spreads between mortgage rates and the 10-year yield [11] - The housing cost issue is primarily supply-driven, and increasing housing supply could lead to lower housing costs [11][12] - The increase in mortgage rates has not led to a decrease in residential real estate values, which is contrary to typical market behavior [12]

NEW YORK (AP) — The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate Wednesday for the first time in nine months. Since the last cut, progress on inflation has slowed while the labor market has cooled. That means Americans are dealing with both high prices and a challenging job market. The federal funds rate, set by the Federal Reserve, is the rate at which banks borrow and lend to one another. While the rates that consumers pay to borrow money aren’t directly linked to this rate, shifts in Fed policy affe ...

Markets are probably getting the rate cut they so badly want this week, and a lot of stocks have already rallied on the anticipation. But a few areas of the market might still have room to run after the Fed decision, a chief strategist told Business Insider on Tuesday.Liz Thomas, head of investment strategy at SoFi Technologies, sees three sectors in particular poised to rally as borrowing costs come down. Speaking with Business Insider, Thomas made it clear that she believes investors have reacted approp ...

Matt Shapiro, a money manager for high net-worth clients, says disappointment over a Fed rate cut may offer a chance for investors to buy some "super companies.†...

Matt Shapiro, a money manager for high net-worth clients, says disappointment over a Fed rate cut may offer a chance for investors to buy some "super companies.†...

The Federal Reserve begins its September meeting today, Sept. 16, and will announce its policy decision tomorrow. In what was in all likelihood his final address as the Fed chair at the Jackson Hole Symposium last month, Jerome Powell raised hopes of a rate cut by observing a “shifting balance of risks may warrant adjusting our policy stance.” At the same event last year, Powell had said that "the time has come for policy to adjust,” which, as investors will recall, was followed by a 50-basis-point rate c ...