U.S. auto dealers remain confident in the market despite slowing profitability and traffic, expressing “cautious optimism” thanks to strong sales and low unemployment. +

The Federal Reserve maintained its 4.25% to 4.5% target rate for a fourth consecutive meeting, but the board remains committed to making two quarter-point cuts or one half-point cut by year’s end. +

Chairman Jerome Powell says the Federal Reserve will not reduce its target lending rate, holding at 4.25% to 4.5% as evolving economic and trade policies make future conditions difficult to predict. +

Citing low unemployment and “solid” market conditions, the Federal Reserve Board held firm to its 4.25% to 4.5% target lending rate, extending a pause that began in January following a series of quarter-point cuts. +

The Federal Reserve Board’s first meeting of 2025 ended with its target lending rate unchanged as the agency pursues its “dual mandate” to limit inflation and unemployment. +

Economist and Forbes contributor Jason Schenker lists five key trends that will determine the performance of dealers’ investment portfolios in 2025, including an accelerating GDP. +

Chairman Jerome Powell said interest rate reductions would slow next year while announcing an expected quarter-point cut to end 2024 with a target range of 4.25% to 4.5%. +