What the Fed rate hike means for pocketbooks and politics

NPR | By Stephan Bisaha,

Mara Liasson

Published September 16, 2026 at 4:53 PM EDT

The Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates has broader political and economic implications, with affordability top of mind for voters ahead of the midterms.

Economy

Stephan Bisaha

Mara Liasson

Mara Liasson is a national political correspondent for NPR.

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What the Fed rate hike means for pocketbooks and politics

Support quality journalism, like the story above, with your gift right now.

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