With inflation slowing down significantly and expected to continue cooling, the central bank is anticipated to initiate a series of rate cuts over the next two years, possibly starting as early as September. This move is likely to result in lower interest rates across a wide range of financial products for Americans, including credit cards, home loans, bank accounts, and certificates of deposit.
Lower interest rates can have a substantial impact on personal finances, prompting individuals to carefully consider their next steps. According to financial experts, the gradual nature of the rate cuts means that the reduction in interest costs may not be immediately significant with just one or two quarter-point cuts this year. However, multiple cuts over the next year or two could lead to noticeable savings, making it advisable for consumers to hold off on certain financial decisions until then.
As Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate, aptly puts it, 'Interest rates took the elevator going up, but they will take the stairs coming down.' This analogy underscores the gradual and incremental nature of the expected rate cuts and highlights the importance of patience in assessing the impact on individual financial situations.