NPR
Ever wonder how the Fed's interest rate actually works? We've got answers
Saturday, September 19, 2026
The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate this week, the first increase in 2026. The rate influences what banks charge for loans and what savers earn on deposits, affecting borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards. Changes to the federal funds rate also influence broader economic conditions including inflation, employment, and overall economic growth.
