U.S. Prime Rate Is Now 4.50%

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the Federal Reserve, in an unscheduled monetary policy meeting, but in accordance with the latest forecast, has just lowered its target for the Federal Funds Rate by 50 basis points (0.50 percentage point) to 1.50%. Therefore, as of today, the U.S. Prime Rate is now 4.50%.

Here's a clip from a press release issued by the FOMC moments ago:

"...The Federal Open Market Committee has decided to lower its target for the federal funds rate 50 basis points to 1-1/2 percent. The Committee took this action in light of evidence pointing to a weakening of economic activity and a reduction in inflationary pressures.

Incoming economic data suggest that the pace of economic activity has slowed markedly in recent months. Moreover, the intensification of financial market turmoil is likely to exert additional restraint on spending, partly by further reducing the ability of households and businesses to obtain credit. Inflation has been high, but the Committee believes that the decline in energy and other commodity prices and the weaker prospects for economic activity have reduced the upside risks to inflation.

The Committee will monitor economic and financial developments carefully and will act as needed to promote sustainable economic growth and price stability.

Voting for the FOMC monetary policy action were: Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman; Timothy F. Geithner, Vice Chairman; Elizabeth A. Duke; Richard W. Fisher; Donald L. Kohn; Randall S. Kroszner; Sandra Pianalto; Charles I. Plosser; Gary H. Stern; and Kevin M. Warsh.

In a related action, the Board of Governors unanimously approved a 50-basis-point decrease in the discount rate to 1-3/4 percent. In taking this action, the Board approved the request submitted by the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston..."

Many American banks have already issued a press release announcing that their prime lending rate has been lowered from 5.00 to 4.50%.

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