U.S. inflation probably worsened last month on the back of higher prices for gas, eggs, and used cars, a trend that could lessen the chance that the Federal Reserve will cut its key interest rate much this year.

If year-on-year total and core CPI consumer inflation rates accelerate, financial markets risk turbulence as investors’ 2025 interest rate cut expectations fall further.

Federal Reserve officials in December signaled concerns that President-elect Donald Trump’s policies could stoke inflation, contributing to a more cautious approach to interest rate cuts this year and even a pause this month.

A top policymaker at the US Federal Reserve says that he still supports reducing interest rates this year, despite elevated inflation and the prospect of widespread tariffs.

But minutes from their December meeting suggest that the decision was a close call — and that there is no guarantee policymakers will lower rates again anytime soon. The minutes of the central bank’s Dec.

St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem suggests greater caution is warranted on reducing interest rates.

Two top Federal Reserve officials on Thursday questioned the need for many more interest rate cuts. Fed Governor Michelle Bowman and Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid both said the 100 basis points in rate cuts since September has brought the Fed’s benchmark rate down to “neutral,” where it neither dampens or boosts demand.

When the Fed cuts rates, it often leads to lower mortgage rates because borrowing costs drop overall. Unfortunately, though, mortgage rates have instead climbed higher since the F

Despite hopes that the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cuts last year would drive down the borrowing rate for home loans, mortgage rates are hovering around 7%. A positive end-of-year jobs report is partly to blame,

Despite Fed interest rates continuing to decrease through the end of last year, mortgage rates have increased because the Federal Reserve does not directly control mortgage rates,