The Fed lowered its benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point, in an effort to shore up a weakening job market. With inflation remaining stubbornly high, it was not a slam dunk decision.

The Federal Reserve ordered another quarter-point cut to its federal funds rate, but not without dissents among the rate-setting committee.

Federal Reserve officials reinforced Friday why this week’s rate cut was so contentious, with one arguing the central bank’s credibility on inflation gives it room to keep easing if the labor market softens and another warning cuts could squander decades of hard-won gains in anchoring price expectations at a low level.

Bitcoin traders wondering what the digital currency’s price will do next should closely monitor policy developments, according to several analysts.

Markets are rethinking the Fed’s path after its latest cut and a split 2026 outlook. Here’s how to track shifting rate expectations and what it could mean for savings.

Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President Beth Hammack said she would prefer interest rates to be slightly more restrictive to keep putting pressure on inflation, which is still running too high.

The cut of a quarter-point will likely make it cheaper for average Americans to secure mortgages, pay credit card debt or finance cars.