BIG Fed Cut!

Good news today! The Fed surprised many with a stronger-than-expected 1/2 percent rate cut in both the Fed Funds and Discount Rates. As expected, stocks soared higher and enjoyed their largest gain since 2003.

So what does the Fed cut mean? Basically, rates on consumer debt, car loans, and Home Equity lines will all benefit. But because Home Loan rates are tied more closely to inflation, it is not uncommon to see less of a movement in mortgage rates.

The Fed cut also hurts rates of return on investments, which gives foreign investors less incentive to invest in US securities. This has sent the Dollar much lower against the currency of most major foreign countries. This makes foreign goods more expensive for us to buy, which adds to inflation pressures.

Overall, I believe that the Fed cut is good news for the economy, but may nudge inflation a bit higher in the near future.