Fed rate hikes are back in the conversation. Here’s why, and what could trigger them.

• 

  The Fed Is About to Hit Pause on Rate Cuts. Here’s Why.

  Faced with a solid economy and mounting inflation concerns, the U.S. central bank has said it will “move cautiously” on cutting interest rates.
  
  The New York Times - 1d

• Here's the financial impact of the Fed's expected pause on rate cuts

  The Fed is expected to hold off on another rate cut at its Jan. 29 meeting. Here's what it means for your finances.
  
  CBS News - 1d
• 

  Here’s What Looming Tax Hikes Could Mean for Small-Business Owners

  The 20 percent Small Business Deduction has been the “single most beneficial tax deduction for small-business owners,” says one accountant.
  
  Inc. - Jan. 22

• This is what it could take for the Fed to hike interest rates

  Some economists are now contemplating what was previously unthinkable — and they are focused on the personal-consumption expenditures price index
  
  MarketWatch - Jan. 11
• 

  ‘There are a lot of bitter people here, I’m one of them’: rust belt voters on why they backed Trump again despite his broken promises

  Many in Youngstown, Ohio, believe the president-elect will tackle the town’s decline this time. Others are worried about his character flaws. Their concerns help explain how he returned to power – ...
  
  The Guardian - Jan. 11

• Why two Fed officials doubt the need for many more rate cuts

  One official warned that “progress on inflation could continue to stall.”
  
  MarketWatch - Jan. 9
• 

  Fed Minutes May Show Why More Rate Cuts Will Face Hurdles

  After a quarter-point cut in December, Chairman Jerome Powell said policymakers may be more cautious, since the incoming administration will create more uncertainty.
  
  Inc. - Jan. 8
• 

  Here's where mortgage rates could be headed in 2025

  Mortgage rates in 2025 are expected to remain above 6%, according to multiple industry forecasts.
  
  The Hill - Jan. 8

• Why the U.S. economy is still strong despite the Fed’s 2022-’23 rate hikes

  Something surprising happened on the way toward the highest U.S. interest rates in more than a dozen years: Neither consumers nor businesses buckled under the weight of higher borrowing costs from ...
  
  MarketWatch - Jan. 3

More from MarketWatch

• Why Americans still can’t get cheaper mortgages, car loans or card balances after three Fed rate cuts

  ‘This is one of the worst rate-cutting cycles ever for consumers,’ says one expert
  
  MarketWatch - 9m

• Social Security could owe you thousands of dollars. Here’s how to check.

  The Social Security Fairness Act increased benefits to millions more retirees, including some who never claimed them.
  
  MarketWatch - 11m

• Altria says counterfeit e-vape products are impacting its business outlook

  “Illicit products now represent more than 60% of the e-vapor category,” the tobacco company said.
  
  MarketWatch - 14m

• Mastercard earnings set an upbeat tone for fintech stocks. These numbers stand out.

  Among the highlights from Mastercard’s report: A pickup in U.S. volumes and an encouraging outlook for the year.
  
  MarketWatch - 54m

• Southwest Airlines expects slower pace of cost increases in 2025

  Southwest Airlines said Thursday that it faces higher costs in 2025 as inflation persists, but it managed to swing to a fourth-quarter profit due to a boost from lower fuel prices.
  
  MarketWatch - 1h

More in Business

• Pending home sales drop sharply in December, as mortgage rates surge back over 7%

  Pending home sales in the U.S. fell in December as mortgage rates climbed again.
  
  CNBC - 3m

• No survivors in American Airlines collision with Army helicopter, officials say

  An American Airlines regional jet collided with a helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
  
  CNBC - 4m

• Comcast stock falls 12% after company underwhelms in broadband, Peacock subscribers

  Peacock had 36 million subscribers during the most recent quarter, up year over year but flat from the prior period.
  
  CNBC - 6m

• Why Americans still can’t get cheaper mortgages, car loans or card balances after three Fed rate cuts

  ‘This is one of the worst rate-cutting cycles ever for consumers,’ says one expert
  
  MarketWatch - 9m

• Social Security could owe you thousands of dollars. Here’s how to check.

  The Social Security Fairness Act increased benefits to millions more retirees, including some who never claimed them.
  
  MarketWatch - 11m