09/18/2026
Morning Note
9/18/2026
5:45 AM
The Fed raised interest rates by another 0.25%, but here is the simple truth: higher interest rates cannot fix what is actually causing inflation right now.
Raising rates makes borrowing money more expensive, but it doesn't change the everyday items driving up your bill:
Gas & Energy: Fed policy doesn't lower oil prices caused by international conflicts in the Middle East.
Monthly Bills: Higher rates don't drop your car, health, or homeowners insurance premiums.
Groceries: It doesn't lower the baseline cost of producing and shipping food to your local store.
Credit & Loans: Instead of helping, it actually makes your credit card debt, auto loans, and mortgages more expensive every month.
The only real relief for average everyday budgets right now would come from rate cuts—not more hikes. But looking at the latest signals from the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), central bankers aren’t planning to cut rates anytime soon.
Despite the short-term noise on Wall Street, markets quickly bounced back—led by the core technology companies powering the future. Fundamental demand for enterprise AI and data center infrastructure remains strong. Unlike the dot-com bubble of 25 years ago, today’s top technology firms carry healthy balance sheets, real revenues, and structural stability.
Higher rates are a blunt tool for a very specific problem, but long-term innovation continues straight through the cycle. How are higher interest rates affecting your daily budget this month?