Economy
Fed Set to Pause Again July 29, but Investors Are Now Pricing In a Fall Rate Hike
via CBS News
The Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.5%–3.75% when it meets July 29, marking the fifth consecutive pause since the central bank stopped cutting rates. With inflation still running at 3.5% and oil prices climbing above $90 a barrel, traders have begun pricing in a meaningful chance of a rate hike as soon as September.
Why it matters
If the Fed hikes rates this fall, mortgage payments, auto loans, and credit card balances all become more expensive — making now a smart time to pay down variable-rate debt or lock in fixed-rate financing.


