Despite concerns over rising deficits and debt, central banks globally have been buying government debt to combat deflationary forces, which has kept interest rates low and prevented a rise in rates as deficits increase; therefore, the assumption that interest rates must go higher may be incorrect.
Central bankers are uncertain if they have raised interest rates enough, prompting concerns about the effectiveness of their monetary policies.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell reiterated the central bank's commitment to raising interest rates and bringing inflation down, while also closely monitoring economic data and signaling the possibility of further rate hikes in the coming months.
Emerging-market central banks are resisting expectations of interest rate cuts, which is lowering the outlook for developing-nation bonds, as central banks in Asia and Latin America turn hawkish in response to the "higher-for-longer" stance taken by the Federal Reserve, currency pressures, and the threat of inflation.
Central banks across major developed and emerging economies took a breather in August with lower interest rate hikes amid diverging growth outlooks and inflation risks, while some countries like Brazil and China cut rates, and others including Turkey and Russia raised rates to combat currency weakness and high inflation.
Pakistan's central bank is expected to raise interest rates to address inflation and bolster foreign exchange reserves, following a series of rate hikes earlier this year in response to economic and political crises.
The Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates will continue to burden borrowers with higher bills on credit cards, student loans, car loans, and mortgages, while savers are rewarded with higher rates on savings accounts and certificates of deposit.
The Federal Reserve's decision to leave interest rates unchanged means that savers and individuals with surplus cash have the opportunity to earn a higher return on their money than in recent years, with online banks offering high-yield savings accounts that can provide a return above inflation.
Central banks, including the US Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and Bank of England, have pledged to maintain higher interest rates for an extended period to combat inflation and achieve global economic stability, despite concerns about the strength of the Chinese economy and geopolitical tensions.
Two former Federal Reserve policymakers disagree on whether the central bank should raise interest rates, with one saying rates have likely peaked and the other saying they need to be raised further, but both agree that achieving a soft landing for the economy is unlikely.
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