Fed rate hike will likely push borrowing costs on credit cards, mortgages
WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve just raised the cost of money — bad news for borrowers, good news for savers. The Fed increased its benchmark interest rate Wednesday by a quarter-point, the first rate hike since the summer of 2023. The hike will likely make it even costlier to borrow for homes, autos and other purchases. But if you've been socking money away, you’ll probably earn a bit more interest on your savings. The increase boosts the Fed's target rate to a range of 3.75 percent to 4.00 percent. Here’s what to know: Why is the Fed raising rates? The short answer: inflation. Inflation has remained above the Fed's 2 percent target for more than five years. The Labor Department reported Friday that consumer prices rose 3.4 percent in August compared to a year earlier, while the monthly increase quadrupled from July to hit 0.4 percent. The Fed’s goal is to slow consumer and business spending by raising the cost of borrowing, thereby reducing demand for homes, cars and other goods and services, eventually cooling the economy and reducing upward pressure on prices. Kevin Warsh, Fed
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