Understanding Interest Rates – Why You Need to Care

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It’s easy to lose sight of how interest rates impact our household finances amid a decade of tumultuous rate fluctuations. It may be tempting to write off rate increases and decreases as something you cannot nor should not react to, since it ultimately is out of your control. But to ignore interest rates is folly. What follows is a primer on interest rates and what they mean for you.

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First, let’s explore what interest rates actually refer to, as well as how they rise and fall. In general terms, interest rates influence the cost of borrowing money for individuals and companies, as well as the yields we earn on such things as savings accounts and CDs. As interest rates go up, borrowers will suffer and savers will benefit. Just the opposite happens when interest rates go down. In the U.S., the Federal Reserve has control over what is known as short-term rates. For longer-term rates, such as a 10- or a 30-year U.S. Treasury note or bond, market forces like supply and demand drive the momentum.

What Goes Up …

For the better part of the past decade, the Fed kept interest rates very low in an effort to encourage borrowing and reinvigorate the economy in the wake of Great Recession. For the everyday consumer, this meant their savings accounts saw paltry returns, but it was easier for them to buy houses and cars, refinance mortgages, etc. Moreover, as the economy gained steam, consumers who had invested in the stock market saw their returns increasing, pumping more money into the economy. The benefits of low interest rates are undeniably powerful for a struggling economy, but the fear is they can ultimately create market distortions, leading to bubbles, an overheated economy and/or hyperinflation.

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As we reached 2018, however, the Fed started to steadily increase short-term rates to keep the economy from overheating, and just as importantly, provide room to lower rates in the event of a future recession. The intended result — to slow down the amount of money flowing into the economy, thus keeping inflation from spiraling out of control — rewarded savers with CDs and money market accounts and made it less attractive for consumers to finance major purchases with debt.

In 2019, the tide turned again — and fairly quickly. Fears of global trade wars and slowing economies has caused the Fed to rethink rate increases, leading to a rate cut in July for the first time since the Great Recession. This was followed up with another cut on Sept. 18. Consider how this change has affected the 10-year U.S. Treasury note (a common benchmark for economic health). In November 2018, it topped out at 3.24%, the highest it had been since 2011. As of August 2019, however, the 10-year note was yielding approximately 1.7%. For savers, the result is somewhat unkind, but for borrowers, it is once again a tailwind helping the household.

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A Sign of a Recession

It is also important to note we are currently experiencing what is called an inverted yield curve. This occurs when a short-term U.S. Treasury bill (three to six months) yields more than a longer term U.S. Treasury note (three to five years). Why is that important? An inverted yield curve often, but not always, occurs just before a recession. Some economists consider the inverted yield curve to be a flashing warning signal. Others explain this inverted yield curve may be different this time, and not necessarily a harbinger of an imminent recession.

Which of course reminds us of the two most important words when it comes to predicting the future: Nobody knows.

What Savers and Borrowers Should be Doing

For the time being, it is reasonable to expect a downward or flat trend in interest rates. If you are looking to buy a house or car, that’s good news for you. If you have a current mortgage with an interest rate over 4%, it may be time to consider a refinance. A flat and falling environment is also kind to bond mutual fund investors, many of whom have seen very attractive returns this year. For CD and deposit accounts, the trend will continue downward.

We should all remind ourselves recessions have not been eliminated; we just haven’t experienced one in 10 years. Whether it starts today or in two years, stay attuned to the rate environment and understand its impact on your financial household.

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The opinions expressed those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. or its management. This article is provided for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as investment advice.

*Note: Representative is neither a tax adviser nor attorney. For information regarding your specific tax situation, please consult a tax professional. For legal questions, please consult your attorney.

CUNA Mutual Group is the marketing name for CUNA Mutual Holding Company, a mutual insurance holding company, its subsidiaries and affiliates. Corporate headquarters are in Madison, Wis. Insurance and annuity products are issued by CMFG Life Insurance Company and MEMBERS Life Insurance Company, 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, IA. 50677. Variable Products are underwritten and distributed by CUNA Brokerage Services Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment adviser.

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Disclaimer

This article was written by and presents the views of our contributing adviser, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA.

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Jamie Letcher is a Financial Adviser with LPL Financial, located at Summit Credit Union in Madison, Wis. Summit Credit Union is a $5 billion CU serving 176,000 members. Letcher helps members work toward achieving their financial goals and through a process that begins with a “get-to-know-you” meeting and ends with a collaborative plan, complete with action steps. He is a member of FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser.