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What can we expect from yesterday's rate cuts?

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As you probably already know, the Fed surprised the market yesterday with a 50 basis point cut in short-term interest rates. Most investors had been expecting a 25 basis point cut, so yesterday's news sent the market soaring. Aside from rising stocks in the short run, what can we really expect to gain from yesterday's cut?

While many people are thinking that yesterday's cuts will help homeowners struggling to keep up with their mortgages, the sad fact is that this may not turn out to be the case. One of the more troubling trends that we have been seeing recently is the mass rise in foreclosures across the country. The majority of these foreclosures are happening to homeowners who bought their homes with adjustable interest rate loans. Sadly, these borrowers may see little relief from yesterday's Fed decision.

The reason why adjustable rate mortgage holders will not benefit from the cuts is that the majority of these loans are not tied to U.S. interest rates, but instead are tied to the London interbank offered rate, or Libor. And Libor is still sitting well above the Fed funds rates.

According to James Bianco, president of Bianco Research LLC, "If Libor doesn't come down, there is no relief" for a great number of mortgage holders. The best thing you can do to figure out if you loan is pegged to Libor is call your lender to find out.

For investors, yesterday's decision is going to be felt most immediately in their stock portfolios. Those of us who keep the majority of our investments in the stock market are definitely enjoying yesterday's news. Money is going to flow into the market and push stocks higher. If you avoided the urge to sell your poor performing stocks over the past couple of months, you are definitely getting some rebound, and should continue to see your investments make gains for at least a few more sessions.

Those who run the risk of being hurt from yesterday's action are those out there who save their money. Savings rates are going to under pressure, but this will probably not be felt immediately. Banks will be cautious about lowering rates before their competitors take the leap, so it is possible that this may not even happen, but it is definitely something to consider.

Credit card holders may feel a little relief in their interest payments, since credit cards should adjust their rates downward. However, customers with good credit histories who are enjoying the lowest rates the company offers will not be able to take any benefit from the cut.

Michael Fowlkes has worked as a stock trader for seven years and spent the last two years working as an analyst for the online investment advisory service Investor's Observer.

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Last updated: November 25, 2009: 10:59 AM

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