This means interest rates are likely to stay at higher levels for longer. AdvertisementMarkets are far too optimistic about the prospects of interest rate cuts — because inflation is still above the Federal Reserve's target, an asset manager told MarketWatch. AdvertisementLower interest rates boost demand for loans, spurring investment and spending, while higher rates have the opposite effect. The Fed slashed benchmark interest rates to boost the US economy amid the Great Recession until they hit the range of 0% to 0.25% at the end of 2008. Interest rates were once again slashed to near-zero in March 2020 when the economy was hit by the pandemic.

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Persons: SEI's James Solloway, —, James Solloway, Solloway Organizations: Service, SEI, Fed, Labor Locations: Pennsylvania