You know how that gallon of milk your spouse chugs out of the jug every morning costs more this year than it did last? That rise in the price of goods is called inflation. You’ve heard the term. You know it happens. You might think that it is a horrible thing. The truth is that inflation is a natural part of a healthy, growing economy, as long as it’s not out of control. But what does inflation mean for interest rates?
The relationship between inflation and interest rates can be tricky, but it’s important for you to understand to make sound investment decisions as well as to comprehend how the market works. Read on to see what inflation means for your interest rates.
What’s an interest rate?
Interest rates are a percentage of an outstanding loan that is charged annually to the borrower. And when inflation happens, interest rates rise. But spending drives the economy. So if interest rates are too high, consumers don’t have enough money to spend on other things like food, gas, clothes, entertainment, and travel. Less spending slows down the economy, slows down growth, and can negatively affect not only the quality of life for the citizens of any economy, but also the viability of that economy long term.
That’s where the government steps in.
The role of the Federal Reserve
The Federal Reserve (also known as The Fed or The Federal Reserve System) is the banking authority in the US that acts like the country’s central bank. It implements monetary policy for the entire United States and holds its cash reserves. Its role is to make decisions that will help the economy grow healthily—not too fast and not too slow.
That’s where interest rates come in. The Federal Reserve meets regularly to set interest rates. They analyze the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Indexes (PPI) to see how the economy is doing. The CPI measures the changing prices consumers pay for goods and services. The PPI measures changes in selling prices for producers of goods. Based on the numbers, they either raise or lower interest rates—always striving to keep the economy growing, but balanced. They want stable prices, stable growth, and they strive to minimize unemployment.
What does this mean for you? After The Fed meets investors and traders react depending on the choices the Federal Reserve makes. Though market economics are tricky, it all comes down to basic concepts like supply and demand, and how government oversight works to support a healthy, robust economy.
So next time you notice that slight rise in prices down the dairy aisle, don’t fret. Realize that rising prices are all part of the natural ebb and flow of economies, and your interest rates are tied up in that delicate mix as well.
Nice newsletter. Good article. Good information. Thank you. Carol
For conventional financing, borrowers with scores at 740 or anywhere above generally receive the same loan pricing (rate and cost). That being said, the better your credit the higher your chances of receiving loan approval with high debt to income (up to 50%) or high loan to value (up to 95%) which can be a major benefit when applying for a new loan. For Jumbo financing, borrowers with credit scores above 800 are generally rewarded with both better pricing and easier guidelines. There are no situations where better credit is a negative when obtaining new financing so we should all continue to strive to reach and then stay in the 800’s.
What are the advantages of a score over 800
Thank you Mike for this information. As a residential realtor the information that you provide is crucial to a successful transaction for my clients. You are indeed a pleasure to recommend to all of my clients. You are so professional, thorough, conscientious and pleasant to work with. !!
Hi Dane! Wanted to make sure I'm clear on this. Am I right in saying that on whichever remodel is done you still take a loss rather than an increase in value - the ROI will never exceed 100% of cost?