It’s Not the Fed Who actually Controls Interest Rates
It’s Not the Fed Who actually Controls Interest Rates
Heresy Financial: 10-27-2025
We hear a lot about “the Fed” and “interest rates” in the news. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking the Federal Reserve has a direct dial for everything from your mortgage to your credit card.
But as a recent video from Heresy Financial meticulously breaks down, the reality is far more nuanced. The Fed’s control over interest rates isn’t a blunt instrument; it’s a sophisticated dance involving specific tools and market reactions.
The elephant in the room for the U.S. economy is its staggering national debt – approximately $38 trillion – and a persistent deficit. This requires continuous borrowing, leading to ever-increasing interest costs. This financial reality could force the Fed into some unconventional moves.
Ultimately, understanding monetary policy’s impact is a complex puzzle. While the Fed can effectively manage short-term rates and influence government borrowing costs, this doesn’t automatically translate into lower interest rates for consumers.
This can cause consumer loan rates to rise, even if Treasury yields are falling. The video even touches on the possibility of future government interventions to cap consumer loan rates, reflecting a broader trend towards increased economic management.
The Federal Reserve’s role in setting interest rates is far from a simple on/off switch. It’s a sophisticated interplay of direct control over key short-term rates and indirect influence on broader market dynamics through its balance sheet and other tools.
As the economic landscape continues to evolve, understanding these mechanisms is crucial for navigating the financial world.
For a deeper dive into these fascinating concepts, be sure to watch the full video from Heresy Financial.