The Federal Reserve reports U.S. car buyers borrowed $159 billion in the third quarter, a modest gain powered by a 6% increase in originations to prime credit customers.
The Federal Reserve has announced its third interest rate reduction since July, this time excluding language committing the central bank to action in support of economic expansion.
Stock are on the rise following the second quarter-point reduction to the federal funds rate in less than two months. No further cuts are planned for this year or next, guaranteeing further pressure from the White House.
The average interest rate for a U.S. new-vehicle loan fell below 6% for the first time all year as automakers and dealers extended model-year selldown promotions.
Facing new global realities and pressure on multiple fronts, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time in more than a decade in an attempt to prolong the economic expansion.
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday raised interest rates for the third time this year and signaled it will raise the cost of borrowing again in December. Industry economists said it will not get better for consumers or the industry from here.
June’s annual percentage rate of 5.82% marked a 17% increase since January 2018. Add rising rates to a virtually saturated U.S. market, record-high vehicle prices, and historically high numbers of people who owe more than their cars are worth, and the stage is set for a market contraction, the firm said.
For the seventh time since 2015, the Federal Reserve increased the Federal Funds Rate a quarter percentage. Cox Automotive economists say higher interest rates and tighter credit have already led to softening retail demand, noting that further rate increases will impact all corners of the car business.
The Federal Reserve voted unanimously to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 1.5% and 1.75%, but it hinted at a possible rate hike in June.
Edmunds analysts say the industry is beginning to see the trickle-down effect from the rate increases happening at the federal level. February's annual percentage rate on new finance vehicles was expected to average 5.2%, up from 4.9% in the year-ago period.
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