Interest Rate Outlook: Fed Plans Cautious Cuts After Inflation Assessment

The Federal Reserve has been increasing the federal funds rate to fight inflation, with 11 hikes from March 2022 to July 2023. Although prices are beginning to decrease, the Fed is waiting for more solid data before making any rate cuts. In its first 2024 meeting, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) kept interest rates stable at 5.25 to 5.5%, marking the highest rate in over 20 years. There are seven more meetings scheduled for the year where rate cuts could be considered, with the next one on March 19 and 20. This shows that while rate cuts are anticipated, they won’t happen until at least spring, as the Fed carefully watches inflation trends.