Fed raises interest rates for the first time in three years
The Fed raised interest rates for the first time in three years, and the market's reaction was bad for bank and airline stocks, though the rate hike itself was expected.
- The Fed voted unanimously for a quarter-point rate hike, exactly what markets expected.
- Higher rates make borrowing more expensive for companies, so big bank stocks led the Dow down over 600 points.
- New Fed chair Kevin Warsh, appointed by Trump, said inflation is still too high and more steps are needed to control it — his comments moved the market more than the hike itself.
- Trump pushed back, saying the U.S. has the best credit in the world and should have much lower rates.
- Airline stocks also fell hard as jet fuel prices jumped, with oil still above $100 a barrel because of the Iran war.
Outlook: Stocks bounced back the morning after, but with Warsh signaling more tightening ahead and oil staying high, more big swings are likely.