If you’ve been shopping for CDs lately, you may have noticed rates going up and down. That’s no coincidence—your CD rates are directly tied to decisions made by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). Understanding how the Federal Reserve (the Fed) policy works can help you decide when to lock in a rate and when to wait.
What Does the Fed Do with Interest Rates?
The Fed sets the federal funds rate, which is the interest rate banks charge each other for overnight loans. This rate acts as the baseline for many financial products, including savings accounts, loans, and CDs.
- When the Fed raises rates: Banks and credit unions often raise CD rates to stay competitive and attract deposits.
- When the Fed lowers rates: CD rates usually fall, since institutions don’t need to pay as much to bring in deposits.
Learn more directly from the Federal Reserve.
How Do Banks and Credit Unions React?
Financial institutions often try to predict what the Fed will do. For example:
- If the market expects a rate cut, some banks may lower CD rates in advance to avoid overpaying savers.
- If a rate hike is coming, some may raise rates early to attract new customers before competitors catch up.
This is why you’ll often see CD rates move before an official Fed announcement.
What Does This Mean for Your CDs?
- If rates are rising: It may be worth keeping some money in short-term CDs so you can reinvest later at higher rates.
- If rates are falling: Consider locking into a long-term CD to protect today’s higher yield.
- If rates are steady: A CD ladder (see How to Build a CD Ladder) can give you both flexibility and security.
Can You Predict Fed Moves?
The Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meets eight times a year to set interest rate policy. While you can’t predict with certainty, you can:
- Watch economic indicators like inflation reports and job data.
- Follow Fed meeting updates on FederalReserve.gov.
- Subscribe to CD Valet’s RateWatcher alert emails to know when banks and credit unions change their CD rates.
FAQs
Q: Do CD rates always match Fed rate changes?
Not exactly. They tend to move in the same direction, but the size and timing vary by bank or credit union.
Q: How quickly do CD rates change after the Fed acts?
Sometimes within days, but often financial institutions adjust before the Fed makes an announcement.
Q: Should I always wait for the Fed before opening a CD?
Not necessarily. If you find a rate that fits your savings goals, it may make sense to lock it in.
Final Takeaway
The Fed plays a major role in shaping CD rates, but banks and credit unions also adjust based on competition and market expectations. By keeping an eye on Fed policy—and using smart strategies like laddering—you can make confident decisions about when to lock in the best CD rates.
