The Federal Reserve is expected to lower interest rates again on October 29, but most Americans are indifferent, according to WalletHub. A survey showed that 65% of people feel this way, with 59% believing another cut won’t affect their lives.
However, a rate cut could save consumers billions. WalletHub estimated that credit card users could save $1.92 billion in interest over the next year, and the average APR on a new car loan could drop by 0.12% after a rate cut.
The Fed recently trimmed its short-term fed funds rate by 0.25 percentage point to a range of 4.00% to 4.25% to support a slowing labor market. CME’s FedWatch tool shows a 99% chance of another quarter-point rate cut at the next meeting on Oct. 29.
Despite potential savings, many Americans are preoccupied with inflation over a rate cut. WalletHub’s survey found that a whopping 93% see inflation as an issue, and 40% believe the Fed isn’t doing a good job taming it.
Lower interest rates could potentially reignite inflation. WalletHub’s survey showed that most Americans think the economy is worsening, but they still fear inflation more than artificial intelligence stealing their jobs.
Annual consumer inflation in August rose to 2.9%, up from 2.7% in July. The core rate increased to 3.1%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics will release September inflation data on Oct. 24 so the Social Security Administration can calculate COLA information.
Without the September inflation report, COLA can’t be calculated. Wells Fargo economists predict annual September inflation ticked up to 3.1%, with the core rate staying the same. The stubborn state of inflation remains a concern.
Read more at Yahoo Finance: A Fed rate cut is expected and it may save you money. Why most don’t care.
