US Federal Reserve Makes an Early Rate Cut

On March 3, 2020, the US Federal Reserve cut its target interest rate by 0.50% to 1.00%-1.25%. The move was the first to occur outside the regularly scheduled policy meetings that take place every 6 weeks since the 2008 economic crisis. The Fed did not want to wait as concerns about the spread of the coronavirus in the US caused strong volatility in the US stock market. The move signals that the bank will take rapid, significant steps to counter effects of the virus on the economy. If it continues to spread, consumers and companies may limit gatherings and unnecessary interactions, which will reduce consumer activity as well as economic output in the markets they support.

Reduced interest rates could help many sectors. For instance, borrowing funds to buy a house, a car, or other large durable goods will be less expensive. In addition, companies will be able to obtain lower-cost loans to help them through a period of reduced economic activity or supply chain difficulties. However, the lower interest rates might hurt the banking industry, as commercial banks generate a significant portion of their revenues from interest on loans.

For more information on these sectors, see the relevant publications from Freedonia Focus Reports: Air Transport Services: United States, Commercial Banking: United States, Housing: United States, Motor Vehicles: United States, Recreation: United States, Restaurants & Foodservice: United States, and Water Transport Services: United States.