Impact of Fed’s Rate Hike on Savings

Impact of Fed's Rate Hike on Savings

The Federal Reserve’s Battle Against Inflation: What It Means for Your Savings Account

Federal Reserve

The Federal Reserve has taken yet another step in its ongoing battle against high inflation. With inflation reaching an alarming 9.1% last year, the Federal Reserve has been raising interest rates since March 2022. In their latest meeting, the Fed decided to increase interest rates by a quarter percentage point as a continued effort to combat inflation. The central bank expressed its strong commitment to returning inflation to its 2 percent objective.

This rate hike brings the federal funds rate to a target range of 5.25% to 5.5%, the highest level since 2001. It is quite possible that we may see further rate hikes later this year. So, what does this mean for your savings account rates?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer prices rose by 3.0 percent over the year ended June 2023, after a 4.0 percent increase in May. Interestingly, the June Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed that prices rose at the slowest pace in over two years.

Experts suggest that the slower rate of inflation should theoretically give the Federal Reserve room to pause its campaign of interest rate hikes. However, the CPI report does not provide a slam-dunk case for putting rate hikes on permanent hold.

The Impact on Savings Rates

When the Federal Reserve raises interest rates, it typically trickles down to higher rates on savings accounts. This means that since the Federal Reserve began hiking interest rates last year, savings rates have been on the rise. Many high-yield savings accounts, money market accounts, and CD accounts are now offering impressive rates.

In fact, some of the top-earning high-yield savings accounts and CDs currently offer rates over 4%, and in some cases, even 5%. So, if you’re looking to make the most out of your savings, it’s worth exploring these options. You can use the tool provided by Bankrate to compare rates on high-yield savings accounts and CDs.

The Federal Reserve’s decision to raise interest rates in its latest meeting suggests that savings rates are likely to increase along with it. If there are more rate hikes later this year, savings rates might go even higher. However, if the Federal Reserve decides to halt rate hikes for the remainder of the year as inflation cools down, rates on savings accounts will likely level off or even decrease.

The Federal Reserve’s decision to raise interest rates once again emphasizes their determination to tackle high inflation head-on. As this battle rages on, it’s important to keep an eye on your savings account rates and make the most of the opportunities that arise. With potential for further rate hikes in the coming months, it could be a good time to explore options that offer higher returns. However, it’s also essential to stay informed about any changes in the Federal Reserve’s stance on rate hikes, as this could impact the trajectory of savings rates.