Key Insight: Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman said she wants banks to have an even playing field with nonbanks when it comes to holding digital assets, though stressed this should be done in a way that promotes safety and soundness. Expert quote: “We want to make sure [banks are] engaging in a way that separates […]
Fed’s Bowman seeks level field for banks on digital assets Read More »
Ting Shen/Bloomberg Key Insight: Fed Gov. Lisa Cook highlighted her commitment to getting inflation to 2% and said she will “act forcefully” if signs emerge that point to cost pressures increasing. Expert quote: “Looking ahead, policy is not on a predetermined path.” — Fed Gov. Lisa Cook. What’s at stake: Cook’s remarks come amid a growing rift
Fed’s Cook strikes hawkish tone in rare appearance Read More »
The Federal Reserve delivered a 25-basis-point cut to its benchmark interest rate on Wednesday, setting the target range at 3.75% to 4%. The move, which brings the federal funds rate to its lowest level in three years, comes amid a softening labor market and inflation pressures. Monetary policy watchers expect another cut in December, which
Fed rate cut could lower mortgage rates further Read More »
Key Insight: The October Federal Open Market Committee cut interest rates by 25 basis points as expected, but comments from Chair Jerome Powell caught market watchers off guard, casting doubt on the likelihood of another rate cut in December. Expert Quote: “There were strongly differing views about how to proceed in December. A further reduction
Fed’s rate cut trajectory unclear as dueling dissents emerge Read More »
Key Insight: Market watchers expect the central bank to announce an end to its QT program soon, signaling the close of the Fed’s large-scale asset purchases during the pandemic. Economists have varying feelings about the program, with some urging the Fed to reconsider future purchases of mortgage-backed securities. Expert Quote: “You can argue about whether it’s
As Fed mulls the end of QT, what lessons have been learned? Read More »
A growing number of economists believe that the Federal Reserve is close to announcing the end of its quantitative tightening (QT) program — a move that could have wide-reaching implications for the mortgage industry. Over the past few weeks, central bank officials have signaled they are prepared to wind down the policy aimed at shrinking
Fed prepares to pivot balance sheet, with potential ripple effects for mortgages Read More »
Key insight: Federal Reserve Gov. Michael Barr said in a speech Thursday that he fears the way tariff price increases are being passed on to consumers could result in an unmooring of inflation expectations, potentially leading to more inflation — and higher interest rates — down the road. Expert quote: “While, in principle, tariffs are
Fed’s Barr skeptical that inflation has been tamed Read More »
Bloomberg News Key Insight: Fed Gov. Stephen Miran said central bank independence in setting monetary policy is of “critical importance,” highlighting that the central bank’s decisions should be insulated from politics. Expert quote: “Monetary policy should be set for the goals that Congress has assigned the Fed — for price stability and full employment —
Miran cites ‘critical importance’ of Fed independence Read More »
Key insight: Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson described a delicate balancing act, supporting moderate rate cuts to protect jobs while keeping long-term inflation under control. Supporting data: GDP growth slowed to 1.6% in the first half of 2025, and tariffs are nudging prices higher as long-term expectations remain anchored. Forward look: Jefferson emphasized durable inflation
Jefferson signals cautionary stance on tariffs, labor and rate path Read More »
Key Insight: The Supreme Court postponed a decision on whether to strike down an injunction that allowed Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook to remain on the board while her lawsuit against the administration moves forward, allowing her to stay at the Fed at least until oral arguments are held in early 2026. Expert Quote: “The
Supreme Court to hear Fed Gov. Cook case in 2026 Read More »