The Federal Reserve cut its overnight interest rate target by half a percentage point to 4.75%, citing turmoil in financial markets as a threat to economic growth. It also cut the discount rate by a half percentage point to 5.25%.
What does this mean for mortgage interest rates? Fannie Mae rates have been improving all month in anticipation of this move, so not much happened today. This does immediately lower all Home Equity Lines that are tied to Prime Rate by .5% !
This move will significantly help with psychology of the buyers and this is a great time to approach your buyers and let them know that this move should spur the market into more sales.
Call me if you want to discuss!
Special Fed Alert
"The long awaited Fed decision arrived with a bang! The Fed surprised many economists and traders with a half percent cut in both the Fed Funds and Discount Rates. Stocks soared higher and enjoyed their largest gain since 2003.
What does the Fed cut mean? 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 reaction...or even an opposite reaction 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, the Fed cut is good news for the economy, but may nudge inflation a bit higher."
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