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

Most Gulf stock markets fell on Sunday after U.S economic data and comments from Federal Reserve officials pointed to a slower pace of interest-rate cuts.

Mortgage costs are rising - with the average rate on a two-year fixed deal now at 5.5% - despite a recent cut in interest rates. A string of lenders, including Barclays, HSBC, NatWest and Nationwide, have increased the rates charged on new fixed deals in recent days.

Mortgage rates, in particular, surged last year to their highest level since 2000 but have since come down alongside inflation. But it's been a bumpy ride back to the bottom in recent weeks. What, then, does this latest Fed rate cut mean for mortgage interest rates? That's what we'll break down below.

When inflation is high and the economy is in overdrive, the Fed tries to pump the brakes by discouraging borrowing. It does this by setting higher interest rates and decreasing the money supply. Since March 2022, the Fed raised the federal funds rate 11 times, which helped slow down record-high price growth.

The Federal Reserve cut its influential interest rate for the second meeting in a row last week to boost the economy and prevent a rise in unemployment, but it may take a while for consumers to see its effects.

In September, the Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point. That was then followed by a quarter-point rate cut in November. Unlock a bonus worth $250 and pause interest into 2026 – this credit card is the perfect combo!