Federal Reserve Cuts Key Rate by Sizable Half-point

News screens display the Federal Reserve rate announcement on the trading floor at The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, US, September 18, 2024. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly
News screens display the Federal Reserve rate announcement on the trading floor at The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, US, September 18, 2024. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly
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Federal Reserve Cuts Key Rate by Sizable Half-point

News screens display the Federal Reserve rate announcement on the trading floor at The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, US, September 18, 2024. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly
News screens display the Federal Reserve rate announcement on the trading floor at The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, US, September 18, 2024. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday cut its benchmark interest rate by an unusually large half-point, a dramatic shift after more than two years of high rates helped tame inflation but that also made borrowing painfully expensive for American consumers.
The rate cut, the Fed’s first in more than four years, reflects its new focus on bolstering the job market, which has shown clear signs of slowing, The Associated Press reported. Coming just weeks before the presidential election, the Fed’s move also has the potential to scramble the economic landscape just as Americans prepare to vote.
The central bank’s action lowered its key rate to roughly 4.8%, down from a two-decade high of 5.3%, where it had stood for 14 months as it struggled to curb the worst inflation streak in four decades. Inflation has tumbled from a peak of 9.1% in mid-2022 to a three-year low of 2.5% in August, not far above the Fed’s 2% target.
The Fed’s policymakers also signaled that they expect to cut their key rate by an additional half-point in their final two meetings this year, in November and December. And they envision four more rate cuts in 2025 and two in 2026.
In a statement, the Fed came closer than it has before to declaring victory over inflation: It said it “has gained greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward 2%.”
Though the central bank now believes inflation is largely defeated, many Americans remain upset with still-high prices for groceries, gas, rent and other necessities. Former President Donald Trump blames the Biden-Harris administration for sparking an inflationary surge. Vice President Kamala Harris, in turn, has charged that Trump’s promise to slap tariffs on all imports would raise prices for consumers even further.
Rate cuts by the Fed should, over time, lower borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans and credit cards, boosting Americans’ finances and supporting more spending and growth. Homeowners will be able to refinance mortgages at lower rates, saving on monthly payments, and even shift credit card debt to lower-cost personal loans or home equity lines. Businesses may also borrow and invest more.
Average mortgage rates have already dropped to an 18-month low of 6.2%, according to Freddie Mac, spurring a jump in demand for refinancings.
The Fed’s next policy meeting is Nov. 6-7 — immediately after the presidential election.



Saudi Arabia, Egypt Sign Agreement on Maritime Connectivity at Global Logistics Forum

Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Transport General Authority Saleh Al-Jasser and Egypt’s Minister of Transport and Industry Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir signed the MoU on the sidelines of the first edition of the Global Logistics Forum in Riyadh. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Transport General Authority Saleh Al-Jasser and Egypt’s Minister of Transport and Industry Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir signed the MoU on the sidelines of the first edition of the Global Logistics Forum in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Egypt Sign Agreement on Maritime Connectivity at Global Logistics Forum

Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Transport General Authority Saleh Al-Jasser and Egypt’s Minister of Transport and Industry Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir signed the MoU on the sidelines of the first edition of the Global Logistics Forum in Riyadh. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Transport General Authority Saleh Al-Jasser and Egypt’s Minister of Transport and Industry Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir signed the MoU on the sidelines of the first edition of the Global Logistics Forum in Riyadh. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia and Egypt signed on Monday a memorandum of understanding on maritime connectivity.

Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Transport General Authority Saleh Al-Jasser and Egypt’s Minister of Transport and Industry Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir signed the MoU on the sidelines of the first edition of the Global Logistics Forum in Riyadh.

The forum is being held from October 12 to 14 under the slogan "Reshaping the Global Map of Logistics".

The MoU will boost cooperation and joint work in maritime connectivity for passenger transport. It stipulates exchange of expertise to qualify specialized cadres in emerging fields, develop the quality and efficiency of maritime transport services, and improve the experience of their beneficiaries.

The areas of cooperation include yacht and marine passenger ship transport activities, as well as passenger ferries.

Attending the forum were ministers and senior officials, leaders of international organizations and industrial unions, as well as experts, academics and analysts.

With 130 speakers and 80 exhibitors representing 30 countries, the forum showcases a wide range of perspectives and expertise.