Odds Now At 90% (Likely) The U.S. Prime Rate Will Continue at 7.50% After the May 7, 2025 FOMC Monetary Policy Meeting

Prime Rate Prediction

Prime Rate Forecast

As of right now, our odds are at 90% (likely) the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the Federal Reserve will vote to leave the benchmark target range for the fed funds rate (TRFFR) at 4.25% - 4.50% at the May 7^TH, 2025 monetary policy meeting, leaving the U.S. Prime Rate at the current 7.50%.

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Tariffs and Job Cuts

Here's a clip from the February, 2025 Leading Economic Index:

"...Given substantial policy uncertainty and the notable pullback in consumer sentiment and spending since the beginning of the year, we currently forecast that real GDP growth in the US will slow to around 2.0% in 2025.'..."

Two percent is too generous.

The repercussions from #POTUS47's tariffs, and layoffs from DOGE, have yet to be fully felt in the American economy.

The Federal Reserve's estimate of a +1.7% change in real GDP for 2025 is a bit more realistic.

The www.FedPrimeRate.com estimate for 2025 real GDP: Flat to +0.7%.

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Meanwhile, the tech-heavy NASDAQ Composite Index ended the week in correction territory, again.

 

Stay tuned...

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The United States Prime Rate was lowered to the current 7.50% on December 18, 2024.

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SUMMARY

• Current odds the U.S. Prime Rate will continue at the current 7.50% after the May 7^TH, 2025 FOMC monetary policy meeting: 90% (likely.)

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Second FOMC Monetary Policy Meeting of 2025 Adjourned: United States Prime Rate Continues At 7.50%

United States Prime Rate

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the Federal Reserve System has just adjourned its second monetary policy meeting of 2025 and, in accordance with our latest forecast, has voted to leave the benchmark target range for the federal funds rate at 4.50% - 4.75% to 4.25% - 4.50%. Therefore, the United States Prime Rate (a.k.a the Fed Prime Rate) continues at 7.50%.

NB: U.S. Prime Rate = (The Fed Funds Target Rate + 3)

Here's a clip from today's FOMC press release (note text in bold):

"...Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. The unemployment rate has stabilized at a low level in recent months, and labor market conditions remain solid. Inflation remains somewhat elevated.

The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run. Uncertainty around the economic outlook has increased. The Committee is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate.

In support of its goals, the Committee decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 4-1/4 to 4-1/2 percent. In considering the extent and timing of additional adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate, the Committee will carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks. The Committee will continue reducing its holdings of Treasury securities and agency debt and agency mortgage‑backed securities. Beginning in April, the Committee will slow the pace of decline of its securities holdings by reducing the monthly redemption cap on Treasury securities from $25 billion to $5 billion. The Committee will maintain the monthly redemption cap on agency debt and agency mortgage-backed securities at $35 billion. The Committee is strongly committed to supporting maximum employment and returning inflation to its 2 percent objective.

In assessing the appropriate stance of monetary policy, the Committee will continue to monitor the implications of incoming information for the economic outlook. The Committee would be prepared to adjust the stance of monetary policy as appropriate if risks emerge that could impede the attainment of the Committee's goals. The Committee's assessments will take into account a wide range of information, including readings on labor market conditions, inflation pressures and inflation expectations, and financial and international developments.

Voting for the monetary policy action were Jerome H. Powell, Chair; John C. Williams, Vice Chair; Michael S. Barr; Michelle W. Bowman; Susan M. Collins; Lisa D. Cook; Austan D. Goolsbee; Philip N. Jefferson; Adriana D. Kugler; Alberto G. Musalem; and Jeffrey R. Schmid. Voting against this action was Christopher J. Waller, who supported no change for the federal funds target range but preferred to continue the current pace of decline in securities holdings..."

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 The United States Prime Rate was lowered to the current 7.50% on December 18, 2024.

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• Summary of Economic Projections

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