Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will headline a busy week of central-bank officials’ public remarks on Thursday. Investors and economists will be listening closely for clues about the Fed’s interest rate decision for December and the outlook for policy in 2025.

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.25% on November 7. More interest rate cuts are likely through the end of 2026.

When the Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point in September, it wasn't a particularly surprising move. At that point, the Fed was expected to make its first rate cut of the year in response to cooling inflation.

The Federal Reserve Thursday lowered interest rates for the second time this year, cutting the federal lending rate by a quarter point, or 0.25%. That brings the lending rate range to 4 1/2-4 3/4%.

The Fed lowered rates by 25 basis points to a 20-month low, but economists say tariffs may throw a wrench in the rate cutting cycle.

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates on Thursday for the second time in three months, likely setting the stage for a drop in borrowing costs.

Following the Fed's 0.5% rate cut in September, mortgage rates went up, not down. Even though the central bank's policy decisions and economic outlook affect credit markets, the F

Jason Furman, former chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, says he expects the Federal Reserve to cut rates again in December, but after that, the pace of cutting will slow down. He's on "." (

The Federal Reserve has made two consecutive interest rate cuts but potential homebuyers are wondering when mortgage rates will drop. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady breaks down what this means.