Ups And Downs

Interest rate adjustments reflect the economic outlook.

- Kevin Ryan

The Federal Funds rate is the interest rate targeted by the Federal Reserve. It is the interest rate banks charge each other for overnight loans. After the recent cut on Oct. 30, 2019, the third cut this year, the rate will hover between 1.5 percent and 1.75 percent. The federal funds rate is not the rate used by banks for lending to individuals and businesses; that is the prime interest rate, currently at 4.75 percent. Since 1994 banks commonly calculate the prime interest rate as the federal funds rate plus 3 percent (in this case 1.75 percent plus 3 percent). Every U.S. bank sets its own prime rate; however, most utilize the same one.