KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell pointed toward a potential interest rate cut at the central bank’s next meeting in September.
- However, it is not a sure thing as Fed officials are still debating if it should address tariff-related inflation by keeping rates where they are or the slowing labor market by cutting rates.
- If the Fed does deliver a rate cut next month, it would lower borrowing costs on many loans and potentially speed up the labor market. But consumers should lock in high yields on investments before banks lower them.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says the central bank is considering an interest rate cut, which would make borrowing cheaper for Americans.
During his Friday morning speech at the Fed’s annual Jackson Hole economic policy summit, Powell opened the door to cutting their influential federal funds rate at the central bank’s next meeting in September.
However, a rate cut isn’t certain as the Fed works to balance its “dual mandate.”
Powell acknowledged that tariffs are still pushing up prices. However, Powell said the Fed may need to cut to prevent the already slowing labor market from further deteriorating.
What Does This Speech Mean For You?
Already, financial markets have taken this speech as a sign that interest rates will be lowered next month. Typically, banks begin lowering interest rates on their offered investments when a Fed cut seems imminent, meaning they will likely reduce yields on Certificates of Deposits and high-yield savings accounts soon. Experts have recommended that consumers lock in these high interest rates before they fall.
If the Fed does deliver a cut at its next meeting, interest rates on debt like credit cards, auto loans, and personal loans will likely fall. In turn, this will lower borrowing costs and make it easier for the many Americans struggling to manage their accumulated debt.
Many American companies have also been wary of hiring or making investments as tariffs threaten to raise costs, and the Fed has kept borrowing costs high. The slowing labor market has especially hurt lower-income workers, who have been facing lower wages and fewer hours. However, lower interest rates will give businesses more access to capital and could spur job creation.