US Fed: No Interest Rate Cuts, But 3 Cuts Incoming in 2024
The Federal Reserve just had their big meeting and decided to keep interest rates steady, sticking between 5.25% and 5.5%. But hold onto your hats, because they're hinting at some rate cuts down the line – we're talking three 25bps point reductions by the end of 2024. This is a big deal because it would be the first time they've lowered rates since the Covid pandemic hit in early 2020.
Summary:
- Fed kept rates steady at 5.25%-5.5%, but signaled potential for three rate cuts this year, though some members anticipate fewer
- Fed Chair Jerome Powell stressed the need for more proof of inflation nearing the 2% target before cutting rates
- Inflation forecasts have risen, with recent data showing higher prices
- Fed discussed slowing balance sheet runoff for a smoother market transition
Now, why does this matter to you and me? Well, the interest rate is like the cost of borrowing money. When it's high, loans for things like houses or starting a business can get pricey. But when the Fed lowers the rate, it can make borrowing cheaper, which might help our wallets.
The Fed's thinking about making these cuts because they've got an eye on the economy's performance and inflation. Inflation's that annoying thing that makes prices go up, so the Fed's trying to keep it in check while making sure the economy stays on a steady path. They're like the economy's referees, making calls to keep things fair and balanced.
They're not just making these decisions on a whim, though. They've got this tool called the "dot plot" – imagine a secret code of dots that tells us where interest rates might be heading. Right now, the dots are telling us to expect those rate cuts I mentioned.
Even with these potential cuts, the Fed's boss, Jerome Powell, is playing it cool. He's saying as long as the economy behaves, they'll start to ease off the gas pedal a bit. But he's also ready to keep things steady if needed. The Dot Plot below shows the Fed is ready for three 25bps rate cut in 2024:
So what's the bottom line? The Fed's got our back, keeping an eye on inflation and ready to make borrowing a bit cheaper if things go as planned. For us, it means keeping an eye on our investments and maybe even getting ready for some opportunities if those rate cuts come through.
For a detailed view of the economic projections, see figure below:
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MonkeyGee : believe it when I see it. is like student loan forgiveness for the past 3 years. Then he tells you he will forgive the loan if he gets re-elected.
Mynor Garcia MonkeyGee : Lol, hit them back, stop paying taxes. "Fool me once...."
MonkeyGee Mynor Garcia : It's too late for that. They took so much from me that I could have lived like a king. The worst part is that all the money taxpayers are given to non Americans.
Mynor Garcia MonkeyGee : oh man I know it, I've been talking about not paying taxes since first half of 2023. now, everyday I see more and more of that same message being repeated by others. The momentum is starting to build, all we gotta do is keep pushing the message. Doesn't matter where or to who. Just become a broken record. God and the Universe will do the rest. Amen?
MonkeyGee : honestly, I'm not going to see any of my money back at the rate we are going with our deficit. you don't need to be a math genius to figure that out.