Another Fed Rate Cut

The Fed cut its benchmark interest rate again, by 0.25% to 4.25%. The discount rate was lowered accordingly to 4.75%. Economists who had expected a half-point cut in the Fed Funds Rate were disappointed, as recent bad news was expected to prompt more aggressive action by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). The Dow Industrials dropped nearly 300 points after the cut. Stocks of mortgage lenders and large banks suffered, including those of Countrywide Financial, Wells Fargo, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs and others. Shares of home builders Pulte Homes, Toll Brothers, Lennar and Beazer took a hit as well. The Fed’s statement suggested that they’re worried about the economic slowdown and lower consumer spending, while “some inflation risks remain” too. Meanwhile, holiday shopping has slowed down, and the holiday season’s start wasn’t that impressive after all. Analysts believe the Fed may cut again in January if holiday shopping data is weak and the financial markets remain in freeze mode.