Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by 0.25 percentage points, but projects fewer reductions in 2025
CBSN
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday announced its third consecutive interest rate cut of 2024, reducing its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points amid cooling inflation. Yet in a blow for borrowers, the central bank also projected that it will loosen rates less next year than previously expected.
The Fed lowered the federal funds rate — the interest rate banks charge each other for short-term loans — to a range of 4.25% to 4.5%, down from its previous target range of 4.5% to 4.75%. The decision comes after policymakers slashed rates by 0.5 percentage points in September, followed by a 0.25 percentage point drop in November.
The Fed has now trimmed rates by 1 percentage point since September, offering relief to Americans carrying credit card balances and other debt.
