美联储主席鲍威尔在货币政策例会后的记者会上表示，当前劳动力市场活力不足且略显疲软，美联储需 要平衡"双重使命的两端"。被问及有新的理事成员加入，鲍威尔强调美联储将坚定致力于保持其独立 性。对于25个基点的降息幅度，他认为市场已经提前消化了预期，但此次降息非常重要，是对劳动力市 场的支持。 声明称，最近的指标表明美国上半年经济活动有所放缓。就业增长放缓，失业率略有上升但仍处于低 位。通胀率有所上升，仍处于略高水平。美联储寻求在较长时期内实现充分就业和2%通胀目标。经济 前景不确定性仍然较高。美联储密切关注其双重使命面临的风险，并判断就业形势的下行风险已经上 升。 声明称，为实现目标并鉴于风险平衡的变化，美联储决定将联邦基金利率目标区间下调25个基点到4% 至4.25%的水平。在考虑进一步调整利率时，美联储将仔细评估后续数据、不断变化的前景以及风险平 衡。美联储将继续减持美国国债、机构债券和机构抵押贷款支持证券。 声明提到，美国总统特朗普提名的美联储理事斯蒂芬·米兰投票反对此次利率决策，主张将联邦基金利 率目标区间下调50个基点。 当天，美联储公布的经济预测概要显示，与6月时相比，美联储将今年的GDP增速预期中值 ...

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve has lowered the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to a target range of 4.00% to 4.25%, marking the first rate cut of 2025 and following three cuts in 2024, which has led to a slight decline in gold and silver futures prices [1][2][3] Group 1: Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve's decision to cut the federal funds rate is aimed at addressing challenges in the labor market, as many individuals are currently struggling to find jobs [2][3] - The median forecast for the appropriate level of the federal funds rate is projected to be 3.6% by the end of this year, 3.4% by the end of 2026, and 3.1% by the end of 2027 [2] Group 2: Economic Predictions - The Federal Reserve has revised its economic outlook, predicting a median real GDP growth rate of 1.6% for this year, and 1.8% and 1.9% for 2026 and 2027, respectively, which is an increase from previous forecasts [1] - The median unemployment rate is expected to be 4.5% in 2025, 4.4% in 2026, and 4.3% in 2027, showing a slight improvement from earlier predictions [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve has initiated its first interest rate cut of the year, reducing the target range from 4.25%-4.5% to 4.00%-4.25%, marking a total reduction of 125 basis points in the current easing cycle [1][9] Summary by Sections Interest Rate Decision - The Federal Reserve's decision to cut rates was widely anticipated, with a 96% probability of a 25 basis point cut reflected in futures markets prior to the announcement [1] - The Fed's updated projections indicate an increase in the expected number of rate cuts for the year from two to three, suggesting two additional 25 basis point cuts after the current one [1][12] Employment and Economic Outlook - Concerns regarding a slowdown in the job market have overshadowed inflation worries, prompting the Fed to adjust its focus on employment risks [2][3] - The Fed's statement highlighted that job growth has slowed and the unemployment rate has slightly increased, indicating heightened risks to employment [3] Voting Dynamics - In the recent FOMC meeting, 11 out of 12 voting members supported the 25 basis point cut, with only one member, newly appointed Stephen Miran, opposing it in favor of a 50 basis point cut [5][6] - The voting outcome did not reflect a significant division within the committee compared to previous meetings [7] Asset Reduction Strategy - The Fed reiterated its commitment to reducing its holdings of U.S. Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities, maintaining a slower pace of balance sheet reduction since April [4] Economic Projections - The Fed has revised its GDP growth forecasts upward for the next three years while adjusting unemployment and inflation expectations [14][15] - The updated median projections indicate a GDP growth rate of 1.6% for 2025, with inflation expected to return to the Fed's long-term target of 2% by 2028 [15]

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve acknowledged a slowdown in employment growth and a slight increase in the unemployment rate, while also indicating that inflation levels remain slightly elevated, leading to a decision to lower the federal funds rate by 25 basis points [1][3][6]. Summary by Sections Federal Reserve's Decision - On September 17, the Federal Reserve lowered the federal funds rate target range to 4.00% to 4.25% by 25 basis points [3]. - The decision reflects a more pessimistic view on the employment market compared to the previous meeting, with the acknowledgment of rising unemployment risks [3][6]. Changes in Statements - The Fed removed the phrase regarding the stability of the labor market and noted that employment growth has slowed [3][5]. - Inflation was mentioned as having increased, a change from the previous meeting where this trend was not highlighted [3][5]. Voting Dynamics - Stephen I. Miran was the only member to vote against the decision, advocating for a 50 basis point cut instead of 25 [3][7]. - Other members, including those appointed by President Trump, supported the 25 basis point reduction, contrary to some pre-meeting expectations [3][4][7]. Economic Outlook - The committee aims for maximum employment and a 2% inflation rate, while recognizing high levels of uncertainty in the economic outlook [6]. - The Fed will continue to monitor various factors, including labor market conditions and inflation pressures, to assess future monetary policy adjustments [6].

Economic Growth Expectations - The FOMC members project a median GDP growth of 1.6% for 2025, 1.4% for 2026, and 1.8% for both 2027 and 2028, with a long-term median growth rate of 1.8% [2] - The central tendency for 2025 GDP growth is between 1.4% and 1.7%, with a range of 1.3% to 2.0% [2] Unemployment Rate Projections - The median unemployment rate is forecasted to be 4.5% for both 2025 and 2026, 4.3% for 2027, and 4.2% for 2028, with a long-term median of 4.0% [3] - The central tendency for 2025 unemployment rate is between 4.4% and 4.5%, with a range of 4.2% to 4.6% [3] Inflation Trends - The median forecast for the PCE price index year-on-year growth is 3.0% for 2025, 2.6% for 2026, 2.1% for 2027, and 2.0% for 2028, with a long-term median of 2.0% [4] - The core PCE inflation forecast (excluding food and energy) is 3.1% for 2025, 2.6% for 2026, 2.1% for 2027, and 2.0% for 2028 [4] Interest Rate Path - The median forecast for the federal funds rate is 3.6% at the end of 2025, 3.4% for 2026, and 3.1% for both 2027 and 2028, with a long-term median of 3.0% [5] - The central tendency for the 2025 interest rate is between 3.6% and 4.1%, with a range of 2.9% to 4.4% [5] Comparison with Previous Forecasts - Compared to the June 2025 forecast, the median predictions for GDP growth, unemployment rate, PCE inflation, core PCE inflation, and federal funds rate remain unchanged, indicating stable assessments by FOMC members [6] Uncertainty and Risk Assessment - FOMC members assess that the uncertainty regarding GDP growth and inflation for 2025 is "similar to or higher than" the past 20 years [7] - Some members view the risks for GDP growth and unemployment as "roughly balanced," while inflation risks are seen as "roughly balanced" or "tilted upward" [7]

Group 1 - The Federal Reserve has restarted interest rate cuts after a 9-month pause, lowering the federal funds rate target range by 25 basis points to 4%-4.25% [2][3] - The dot plot indicates that 9 out of 19 officials expect two more rate cuts in 2025, while 2 expect one cut, and 6 do not anticipate further cuts [2] - New board member Stephen I. Miran voted against the decision, advocating for a 50 basis point cut instead [2][4] Group 2 - Economic activity growth has slowed in the first half of the year, with a slight increase in unemployment, although it remains low [3] - Inflation has rebounded and remains elevated, with the committee's goal being maximum employment and a long-term inflation target of 2% [3] - The committee will continue to monitor the latest information affecting economic outlook and is prepared to adjust monetary policy as necessary [3]

Here’s a look at how today’s high-yield savings account rates stack up. The Federal Reserve cut the federal funds rate three times in late 2024, which means deposit rates are now falling. It's more important than ever to ensure you're earning the highest rate possible on your savings, and a high-yield savings account could be the solution. These accounts pay more interest than the typical savings account — as much as 4% APY and higher. Not sure where to find the best savings interest rates today? Read on ...

Core Insights - The Federal Reserve's adjustments to the federal funds rate significantly influence borrowing costs across various loan types, including personal, auto, and private student loans [1][3][4] Impact on Loan Rates - The federal funds rate serves as a benchmark for lenders, affecting how much they charge for overnight lending, which in turn impacts consumer loan interest rates [3][4] - Between February 2022 and August 2023, the Fed raised the federal funds rate from 0.08% to 5.33% to combat inflation, leading to higher loan rates that remain elevated despite some rate cuts in 2024 [4][5] - The prime rate, which is typically set about three percentage points above the federal funds rate, also influences consumer loan rates, particularly for creditworthy borrowers [4] Personal Loan Rates - Average personal loan rates have remained high, decreasing slightly from 12.49% in February 2024 to 11.57% currently for two-year loans [5][6] - Most personal loans have fixed rates, meaning existing borrowers will not see changes in their rates, while new borrowers may face higher rates compared to previous years [6] Student Loan Rates - Federal student loan rates are set by Congress and are not directly influenced by the Fed, while private student loan rates are affected by the federal funds rate [7][9] - Federal student loan rates were particularly low at 2.75% for the 2020-21 academic year but have increased to 6.39% for the 2025-26 academic year [8] Auto Loan Rates - Auto loan rates are also influenced by the federal funds rate, with average rates for new car loans at 7% and used car loans at 10.7% as of August 2025 [11] - Various factors, including credit score and vehicle type, also play a role in determining auto loan rates [11] Strategies for Securing Competitive Rates - Improving credit scores and financial profiles can enhance the chances of securing better loan rates [13][15] - Shopping around with multiple lenders and comparing repayment terms can help borrowers find the best offers [17][19] - Timing borrowing decisions based on the Fed's rate changes can also be beneficial, particularly if rates are expected to decrease [20]

Economic Data Summary - Business inventories for July increased by 0.2%, matching the final June read [1] - The yield curve has steepened, with two-year note yields down by approximately three basis points, while 10-year yields remain stable [2] Housing Market Insights - Homebuilder sentiment in September remained unchanged at 32 on the NAHB index, which is below the neutral level of 50, indicating negative sentiment [2][3] - The index has been in a low range since May, with a previous reading of 41 in September of the previous year [3] - Builders are optimistic about lower mortgage rates potentially increasing buyer activity, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropping to 6.25% [3] - NAHB's chief economist anticipates a federal funds rate cut, which could lower interest rates for builders and developers [4] - Current sales conditions remained at 34, while buyer traffic decreased to 21, and future sales expectations rose to 45, the highest since March [4] - 39% of builders reported cutting prices in September, an increase from 37% in August, marking the highest percentage in the post-COVID period [5]

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street strategists are divided on whether the U.S. financing market will become more accommodative in the coming months, primarily due to increased volatility in overnight borrowing costs [1] Group 1: Market Dynamics - A series of events is driving up short-term interest rates, including the U.S. Treasury issuing more short-term bonds to rebuild cash reserves and the Federal Reserve reducing its balance sheet [1] - The use of key overnight lending tools by the central bank has dropped to nearly zero, raising investor concerns about the sharp rise in borrowing costs [1] - The Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) has been above the Federal Reserve's target rate since late August [1] Group 2: Divergent Views from Major Banks - JPMorgan, led by Teresa Ho, expects overnight rates to ease by year-end and recommends traders to buy December SOFR futures while selling equivalent federal funds futures [3] - JPMorgan anticipates the spread between SOFR (currently at 4.42%) and the 30-day federal funds rate (currently at 4.33%) to narrow by the end of 2025 [3] - Citigroup, led by Jason Williams, believes financing costs will remain high until year-end and suggests traders short December SOFR contracts relative to federal funds [4] Group 3: Future Projections - Citigroup expects SOFR to gradually rise in the coming months, citing guidance from the Treasury regarding increased Treasury bill auction sizes in October [4] - Barclays has exited a position betting on a narrowing spread between September SOFR and federal funds, indicating ongoing upward pressure on financing costs [4] - Morgan Stanley strategists believe market conditions may ease as soon as next month, suggesting a long position on the SOFR relative to federal funds spread for October 2025 [4] Group 4: Consensus on Historical Context - Both JPMorgan and Citigroup agree that the situation from September 2019, when financing costs surged and the Federal Reserve injected hundreds of billions into the financing market, is unlikely to repeat [5]