As the Fed prepares to announce its latest interest rates, we take a look at the central bank’s key duties - and how it has juggled them over the years.

Mortgage rates had mostly hovered near 7 percent in recent months until weaker employment numbers sent them tumbling in August. As of Sept. 17, 2025, the 30-year mortgage rate averaged 6.30 percent, according to Bankrate’s lender survey.

Savings account yields are much higher than a few years ago Top rates may fall if the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates Online banks tend to offer the best yields available Rates on savings accounts are about the same from last week.

The Federal Reserve's decision on Wednesday to lower interest rates by a quarter percentage point was met with dissenting votes by two policymakers, one favoring a larger cut and another preferring no reduction at all,

Negotiate with your lender. If you have private student loans, you may be able to negotiate a lower interest rate with your lender. This is especially true if you're struggling to keep up with your monthly payments or if you plan to refinance and want to give your lender a chance to match.