Connect with us

Finance

The Fed just cut interest rates again, this time by a quarter of a percentage point

Published

on

The Fed’s rate cut came in response to inflation heading closer to the 2% mark.  (iStock )

The Federal Reserve just cut interest rates for the second time this year, a move that was largely expected as inflation continues to drop. The Fed lowered rates by a quarter of a percentage point to 4.5% to 4.75%.

The decision came on the heels of the lowest rise in inflation since 2021. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) technically increased by 0.2% in September, but this rise was minimal compared to what consumers have seen in the last few years.

“Unexpectedly low October job growth came on the heels of better-than-expected labor market data in September that has since been revised lower,” Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale said in a meeting about the cuts.

“These data remind decision makers that it is important to consider broad trends rather than any single piece of information. As a whole, the totality of the data suggests that the labor market continues to slow, and the risks of cooling too fast or too slow are likely more balanced than was thought in early October,” Hale said.

Back in September, the Fed initially cut rates by half a percentage point to 4.75% to 5%. Both rate cuts were in response to inflation inching lower towards the 2% mark the Fed has aimed for. At this moment, it’s difficult to determine if any more rate cuts are coming down the line. 

“Financial markets fully anticipated this rate cut, and the FOMC’s statement provides no new information regarding the likelihood of future cuts,” MBA SVP and Chief Economist Mike Fratantoni said in a statement.

Worried about the state of the economy? You could consider paying down high-interest debt with a personal loan at a lower interest rate. Visit Credible to speak with a personal loan expert and get your questions answered.

THE US ADDED 818,000 FEWER JOBS THIS YEAR THAN ORIGINALLY ESTIMATED

Mortgage rates rise despite Fed’s rate cut

Not all loans and credit will follow these rate cuts. The election and its effects on the economy have a major impact on the outcome of rates as well.

“MBA expects that mortgage rates will remain within a fairly narrow range over the next year, with mortgage rates moving higher on signs of economic strength and more stimulative fiscal or monetary policy, or lower if it’s the opposite,” Fratantoni explained. “Housing markets continue to be primed for a stronger spring homebuying season, boosted by more housing supply and slower home-price growth.” 

On the heels of the rate cuts, mortgage rates actually rose last week from 6.72% to 6.79% for 30-year fixed home loans, Freddie Mac reported. Some economists cite the election results as a potential reason for the turbulent market.

“While it’s not always 100% clear what markets are thinking, they could be expecting a combination of stronger economic growth, more fiscal spending, as well as higher prices and inflation because of more tariffs and lower taxes,” Realtor.com Senior Economist Ralph McLaughlin said.

After the Trump-Vance victory, the 10-year Treasury yield jumped to the highest level since April, and typically, mortgage rates move in the same direction as the 10-year yield. This wasn’t the case this past week.

“While we still expect mortgage rates to stabilize by the end of the year, they will likely be at a higher level than markets were initially expecting prior to election week,” explained McLaughlin.

If you’re looking to purchase a home, consider visiting Credible to find the best mortgage rate for your financial situation.

HOUSING BEGINS TO TIP IN FAVOR OF BUYERS; SELLERS SLASH PRICES TO ENTICE THEM BACK TO MARKET: REPORT

The homebuying market has the potential to rebound in 2025

Despite hard times for mortgage rates, there is some optimism among experts in the mortgage industry, although it’s difficult to predict exactly when prices and rates may drop.

“The Fed’s rate cut was widely anticipated and unlikely to herald in much of a change for the housing market. Potential homebuyers will be disappointed to see that mortgage rates remain stubbornly high, as it also moves with the 10-year Treasury, so the markets will only slowly begin to normalize,” CoreLogic Chief Economist Dr. Selma Hepp said in a statement. “We anticipate a much more improved rate environment for homebuying next year.”

Homebuyers have, by in large, been dragging their feet on homebuying. Many homeowners currently have mortgage rates below 6%, so they’re not selling their homes. Homes that are on the market are sitting there for longer as buyers wait for volatile rates to settle.  

“Despite these challenges, Americans remain optimistic about homeownership, and homebuilders are positioned to fill in the gaps, especially if policy makers at the federal, state, and local levels can clear challenges to building,” said Hale.

“While existing home sales continue to tread near 30-year lows, new home sales remain on par with a pace similar to 2019, and even as existing home prices continue to climb, a focus on smaller-footprints and affordability has kept new home prices more steady,” further explained Hale.

If you think you’re ready to shop around for a home loan, use Credible to help you easily compare interest rates from multiple lenders in minutes.

MORTGAGE PAYMENTS SOAR FOR PROSPECTIVE HOMEOWNERS IN SWING STATES: REALTOR.COM

Have a finance-related question, but don’t know who to ask? Email The Credible Money Expert at [email protected] and your question might be answered by Credible in our Money Expert column.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Finance

State Street worries about crypto rally

Published

on

GLD's competition: more than bitcoin?

The bitcoin rally is generating a false sense of security among investors, according to the strategist behind the so-called granddaddy of gold exchange-traded funds.

State Street Global Advisors’ George Milling-Stanley warns cryptocurrency plays don’t offer the stability of gold.

“Bitcoin, pure and simple, it’s a return play, and I think that people have been jumping onto the return plays,” the firm’s chief gold strategist said on CNBC’s “ETF Edge” this week.

Milling-Stanley’s comments came as his firm’s SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD) celebrated its 20-year anniversary this week. It is the world’s largest physically backed gold ETF, and it’s up more than 30% in 2024.

“Gold was $450 an ounce [20 years ago],” said Milling-Stanley. “It’s now five times what that price was then. If you look at a five-times price, then gold should be somewhere over $100,000 in twenty years’ time.”

Gold just had its best weekly performance since March 2023. Gold futures settled at $2,712.20 on Friday, the highest settle since Nov. 5. Gold prices are now just 3% below the record high hit on Oct. 30.

Bitcoin, which has surged since the Nov. 5 election, is having a banner year, too. It hit an all-time high on Friday.

Milling-Stanley thinks investors who treasure gold’s safety qualities should reconsider piling into bitcoin. He suggests the crypto world is trying to manipulate them.

“This is why they [bitcoin promoters] called it mining. There’s no mining involved. This is a computer operation, pure and simple,” he said. “But they called it mining because they wanted to seem like gold — maybe take some of the aura away from the gold.”

Yet, he acknowledges it is unclear how high the yellow metal can actually go.

“I have no idea what’s going to happen over the next 20 years except it’s going to be a fun ride,” Milling-Stanley said. “I think that gold is going to do well.”

Continue Reading

Finance

RDDT, SMCI, INTU and more

Published

on

Continue Reading

Finance

What ETFs are the best for those in or near retirement?

Published

on

Americans are retiring at a record-setting pace amid the aging of the baby boomer generation, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have become a popular way for retirees to invest in ways that align with their risk tolerance and diversification needs.

A recent report by the Alliance for Lifetime Income found that about 4.1 million Americans are projected to turn 65 on an annual basis from 2024 through 2025. That has pushed the number of Americans turning 65 each day from roughly 10,000 in the past decade to more than 11,200 this year.

ETFs can offer investors access to a variety of investment themes of interest to retirees, from equity ETFs optimized for dividend yields to bond ETFs yielding interest on government and corporate debt, as well as those modeled on broader indices like the S&P 500 or that have international exposure. Some can also include built-in hedging strategies to guard against downside risk.

IS A RETIREMENT SAVINGS CRISIS LOOMING?

“Investments are personal, and the ‘best’ ETFs for someone in or near retirement can vary widely, depending on their situation. Those in or near retirement should evaluate their situation in terms of their overall allocation, the time horizon for drawing down or growing their assets, and what level of risk they’re comfortable with,” said Lawrence Sprung, CFP and founder of Mitlin Financial.

Couple celebrates retirement

Retirees can use ETFs to deliver income in retirement by targeting dividend or interest-paying ETFs, or use them to diversify their portfolios. (iStock / iStock)

“Investors that have a higher risk level and longer time horizon will be included to invest in more growth-oriented ETFs. On the other hand, investors who require income today from these assets with a lower risk tolerance will have their portfolios allocated more toward income-oriented investments,” Sprung added. “The ETFs that may be best for one investor may not be the best for another.”

IRS INCREASES 401(K), OTHER RETIREMENT PLAN CONTRIBUTION LIMITS FOR 2025

401k pension stock market

ETFs can be broadly diversified or may be narrowly focused on a certain part of the market. (Angela Weiss / AFP for Getty Images / Getty Images)

Some ETFs offer retirees and future retirees some downside risk protection, said Faron Daugs, the CEO of Harrison Wallace Financial Group.

“Often, these are referred to as buffered ETFs. They are generally tied to a stock market index and have various downside percentage protection in the event of a downturn in the market,” he said. “This type of ETF allows you to participate in potential growth opportunities but offers individuals a little bit of a parachute in the event of a downturn.”

“Another option to consider would be an ETF that invests in dividend-producing stocks. Typically, having a portfolio can generate you a return via a dividend, regardless of the stock performance, can serve as an attractive way to gain some growth potential and offer potential for return in some form – even if the price of the stock declines,” Daugs added.

investment portfolio

ETFs can help investors diversify their portfolios by targeting specific types of assets more efficiently. (iStock / iStock)

ETF: WHAT THEY ARE AND HOW TO MAKE MONEY WITH THEM

If a retiree needs income during their golden years, an ETF that pays dividends or interest can be a wise investment, said Ted Jenkin, co-founder and consultant at oXYGen Financial.

“SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD), Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF Shares (VIG) and iShares Select Dividend ETF (DVY) are just a few to look at,” he said.

Ticker Security Last Change Change %
SPYD SPDR® PORTFOLIO S&P 500® HIGH DIVIDEND ETF – USD DIS 46.40 +0.53 +1.16%
VIG VANGUARD SPECIALIZED FUNDS DIVIDEND APPRECIATION ETF 201.00 +2.26 +1.14%
DIVY TIDAL ETF TRUST SOUND EQUITY DIV INC ETF 26.88 +0.11 +0.40%

Jared Levy, chief markets strategist at Peak American Financial, said that investors should be “extremely precise the closer they get to retirement” because they typically are shifting from “prioritizing growth to prioritizing protection.” Levy added that it’s “critical to have an all-weather portfolio that is not only balanced for your risk tolerance, but one that doesn’t become correlated if things start to fall apart.” 

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

He said that one of his firm’s all-weather portfolios features the Protected S&P 500 ETF (BUFR) along with a mix of corporate and Treasury bond ETFs; bitcoin, gold and precious metal ETFs, a small-cap ETF based on the Russell 2000 and other investment instruments.

Continue Reading

Trending