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The Fed just cut rates again: These are the biggest winners and losers
Yahia BarakahOctober 29, 2025 at 11:42 PM
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The Fed just cut rates again: These are the biggest winners and losers (Douglas Rissing via Getty Images)
The Federal Reserve cut its federal funds rate by a quarter point after wrapping up its October meeting, bringing the benchmark rate down to a range of 3.75% to 4.00%, the lowest level since December 2022. This marks the Fed's second rate cut of 2025 and confirms the central bank remains committed to easing policy despite inflation that's still running above target.
But this meeting came with an unusual twist. A government shutdown kept critical economic data under wraps, forcing Chair Jerome Powell and the Federal Open Market Committee to make their decision while essentially flying blind. Despite the data blackout, the Fed pushed forward with the cut.
Why does this matter to you? Because these Fed moves don't just affect Wall Street — they reshape what you earn on savings, what you pay on credit cards and loans, and whether now's the time to lock in a mortgage or CD rate. These are the biggest winners and losers from the Fed's decision.
How the Federal Reserve decides on rates
There's no single person responsible for the Federal Reserve's decisions. Instead, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announces federal funds rate targets based on votes from 12 people, which includes the seven members of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, the president of the New York Federal Reserve Bank and a rotating roster of four regional Fed presidents.
The FOMC gathers for two-day meetings eight times a year to review economic data, discuss policy options and — importantly — vote on interest rate changes. The committee announces its policy decisions at the end of each meeting, and the Federal Reserve chair holds a press conference to explain their thinking.
The Fed weighs several key factors when setting rates, including inflation trends, the strength of the job market, economic growth and how rate changes will affect the economy. The central bank can raise, lower or hold rates steady to support its dual mission of keeping inflation to 2% while maximizing employment. In other words, keeping prices low and Americans employed.
What next for the Fed in 2025?
The Fed is caught in a tricky spot. The September CPI report showed inflation at 3.0% — better than the 3.1% economists expected, but still hovering above the Fed's 2% target for the third consecutive month.
At the same time, the job market appears to be deteriorating. August delivered just 22,000 new jobs when economists expected 75,000, and private sector data from ADP shows companies shed 32,000 jobs in September. The government hasn't released official September figures due to the ongoing shutdown.
Markets are pricing in near-certainty of another quarter-point cut at the December meeting.
Biggest winners after a Fed rate cut1. Stock investors
When borrowing money becomes cheaper, companies can expand operations, upgrade equipment and hire workers more affordably, typically leading to higher profits and stock prices over time.
Growth stocks and tech companies usually see the biggest bumps because their stock prices depend on future profits. When interest rates drop, those future earnings become more valuable, making tomorrow's money worth more today.
When your savings account starts paying out less after a cut, people tend to start moving their money into the stock market to hunt for better returns. All that cash flowing into the market lifts stock prices across the board.
💡Smart move: Don't shift all your cash into stocks chasing rate-cut rallies. Instead, if you're sitting on too much cash, let time and consistency work in your favor with an investment strategy like dollar-cost averaging. Ease yourself into the market with automatic investments through a robo-advisor, or rely on a trustworthy investment platform to make gradual contributions to a diversified fund.
2. Homeowners and buyers
Rate cuts can be good news for mortgages, but it's not always a straightforward relation. Mortgage rates are tied to the 10-year Treasury yield, not the Fed's overnight rate. The 10-year Treasury yield may move independently after a Fed cut, as markets price in the move weeks in advance.
For homebuyers and those with fixed-rate mortgages, this means you can't just wait for a Fed meeting and expect lower rates. Sometimes they drop, sometimes they don't. Your best bet is to lock in a rate you're happy with on a home you like rather than trying to time the Fed's moves.
If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), you might see your monthly payment drop — no refinancing required. That's because ARM rates adjust over time, typically once a year, based on interest rate benchmarks that tend to follow Fed policy changes.
💡Smart move: If you have an ARM, dig out your loan documents to understand exactly how and when your rate adjusts. For fixed-rate mortgages, keep an eye on rates but don't rush to refinance unless you can meaningfully reduce your rate, get better repayment terms or get rid of private mortgage insurance.
3. Those with credit card debt
If you carry credit card debt, a Fed rate cut might bring some relief, though have patience. While credit card APRs react to movements in the Fed's benchmark rate, timing varies — and it can be months before you see a change in your statement.
Credit card issuers are notorious for being slow to lower APRs when rates drop, despite their speediness to increase rates after a Fed hike — often within one or two billing cycles. It's all about protecting their profit margins.
That slow timing matters, because credit card rates are at historic highs of 21% APR and higher.
💡 Smart move: Rather than wait for your credit card to lower its APR, look for a balance transfer credit card that offers a long 0% intro APR period instead. Some of the best options offer up to 18 months or longer, Cards like Wells Fargo Reflect and Citi Double Cash offer up to 18 months or longer, which is sweet breathing room to pay down your debt faster. Just be sure to pay off your full balance before the promo rate expires to avoid stiff fees and penalties.
4. High-rate borrowers
Fed rate cuts could be a way to swap out high-rate loans for cheaper alternatives. Say you took out a personal loan at 12% APR when rates were higher — you might qualify for 10% APR after significant enough Fed rate cuts. That could mean lower monthly payments and thousands less in interest.
Auto loans could be worth refinancing after rates drop too, especially if you've improved your credit score since you bought your car. Not all lenders move at the same speed after a Fed cut, and so it's worth shopping around for the best deal.
💡Smart move: Do the math to find your refinancing break-even point. Add up all the costs, including origination fees and any prepayment penalties on your existing loan. Only refinance if what you'll save on interest justifies the time and money.
Biggest losers after a Fed rate cut1. High-yield savers
Banks are faster to cut the rates they pay you than they are when raising them. After a Fed cut, you'll see APYs on savings accounts and money market accounts (MMAs) fall, shrinking the monthly interest you earn on them.
That 4.00% APY you're earning on a high-yield account today can slide to 3.75% or lower within weeks of a quarter-point Fed cut. Keep in mind that banks aren't required to trim rates by the same amount, so they might cut even deeper. Stack a few rate cuts, and your earnings really take a hit.
Let's see what these cuts might look like on $10,000 in savings:
Year 1
Year 3
Year 5
4.25%
$425
$1,330
$2,314
4.00%
$400
$1,249
$2,167
3.75%
$375
$1,168
$2,021
3.50%
$350
$1,087
$1,877
💡Smart move: Don't put all of your money in savings accounts — even those earning high yields. Build a CD ladder to lock in today's highest rates with more regular access to your money, or consider moving larger amounts into a diversified portfolio for better long-term growth. A trusted financial advisor can help you figure out an investment plan that makes sense for your budget.
2. New CD shoppers
If you're hesitating to lock in today's best CD rates, you might regret it after banks start slashing yields. Banks, credit unions and other financial institutions are quick to drop rates on newly issued CDs soon after a Fed cut.
Longer-term CDs are hit harder if banks think more Fed rate changes are on the horizon. It's why the best time to lock in a CD is right now.
Digital and online-only banks typically offer the highest CD rates, with institutions like Bread Financial standing out with competitive rates on various terms. Other banks, such as Valley Bank, reward larger deposits with premium yields. If you're not sure about locking up your money, consider CIT Bank's no-penalty CD that lets you pull out your money before your term matures without the early withdrawal penalties charged by traditional CDs.
💡Smart move: Lock in today's highest rates before they disappear. If you think rates will continue falling, focus on longer terms that can serve as a hedge against inflation.
3. Retirees on fixed incomes
When Fed rates drop, those who rely on investments for income could be in a sticky situation. As rates fall, your bond funds — a common choice for fixed-income investors — could start paying out less each month than they used to.
Money market funds, which many people depend on for relatively safe income, will likely see lower yields and monthly payouts too. These funds invest in short-term loans to governments and companies. As old, higher-paying loans come to an end, they're replaced by newer loans with lower interest rates.
It's important to get creative with your investment strategies. Mix in dividend-paying stocks from large, stable companies — like utilities or consumer goods with long histories of paying dividends. Consider bond ladders that allow for regular access to your money while locking in high rates.
You can buy these assets with any of the best investment platforms, including established names like Charles Schwab and Fidelity. Or look into platforms like Public that build and manage your entire bond portfolio for you automatically.
💡 Smart move: Bring in the help of a professional to make sure you can meet your long-term goals. The right financial advisor can help you rebalance your investments for steady income you can easily budget in your golden years.
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FAQs: Fed decisions and your money
Here's what you about protecting and growing your money as the Fed makes rate decisions. And take a look at our growing library of personal finance guides that can help you save money, earn money and grow your wealth.
Should I lock in my mortgage rate?
If you've found a mortgage rate that fits your budget, consider using a mortgage rate lock to guarantee that rate for a specific period while you close on your loan. Some lenders offer free rate locks for 30 days, with fees ranging from 0.25% to 1% of your loan amount for longer locks. Rather than trying to time the market, shop around for the lowest rate you're eligible for. See tips in our guide to finding the best rate on your next mortgage.
Can I use a home loan to pay down high-interest debt?
Yes. Typical interest rates on home equity loans are lower than those of the average credit card and personal loan, and could significantly lower the interest amount you'll pay on these separate debts. But there's a lot at stake if you aren't able to repay your home equity loan on time, including the potential loss of your home to foreclosure. Make sure any new loan you take on offers enough wiggle room in your budget for emergencies and unexpected expenses. Learn more about the risks and rewards in our guide to using your home's equity to pay off debt.
Are annuities a safe investment for retirees?
Annuities are a popular investment for many retirees, helping you to create reliable retirement income that can last as long as you do. While they come with higher fees than many other retirement savings options, they offer unique tax advantages that can appeal to retirees in higher tax brackets. But each type of annuity carries its own risks and costs, and you'll want to make sure you're buying from a reliable source. Learn more about annuity types, how to buy them and how to avoid scams in our comprehensive guide to annuities.
Should I move my money into stocks?
Consider shifting some savings into stocks if you're OK with the risk and potential for loss and have more cash than you need over the short to medium term. Stocks may offer better growth potential when savings and CD rates fall, but keep in mind that past performance doesn't guarantee future returns. Avoid moving all your money at once — gradually invest over time using a diversified portfolio that matches your risk tolerance. Keep enough cash in a high-yield savings account to cover up to six months of expenses, and avoid investing money you'll need within the next few years.
About the writer
Yahia Barakah is a personal finance writer at AOL with over a decade of experience in finance and investing. As a certified educator in personal finance (CEPF), he combines his economics expertise with a passion for financial literacy to simplify complex retirement, banking and credit topics. He loves empowering people to make informed financial decisions that improve their everyday and long-term wellness. Yahia's expertise has been featured on FinanceBuzz, FX Empire and EarnForex. Based in Florida, he balances his love for finance with freediving, hiking and underwater photography.
Article edited by Kelly Suzan Waggoner
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Source: "AOL Money"
Source: Money
Published: October 29, 2025 at 11:18PM on Source: CORR MAG
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