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How the Fed's Rate Hike Hits Your Mortgage, Credit Cards, Savings and More
Inflation is running at 3.4% annually, and analysts say the increase will hit variable-rate borrowers and corporate earnings first.
The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points, marking the first rate hike in more than 3 years and returning rates to levels seen in late 2025.
Inflation is running at 3.4% annually, well above the Fed's 2% target, giving policymakers confidence that a stable job market could absorb the hike.
Scripps News financial contributor Danny Moses warned the decision carries real consequences for consumers, stating, "Everything's gotten a little bit more expensive," while Americans with variable-rate debt like a HELOC will feel the impact most directly.
Lower-Income Americans are bearing the brunt as Moses described the U.S. economy as "K-shaped," with wealthier households largely insulated, adding, "Tell that to the lower-end consumer that's already struggling at the bottom half of the K."
Oil prices are a key driver of inflation and the path forward depends heavily on them; the Fed acted despite pressure from Trump to cut borrowing costs.
The largest US banks have raised their primary reference interest rate, the prime rate, after the Federal Reserve implemented its first interest rate hike since 2023. The move increases borrowing costs for both consumers and businesses.