Fed Holds Rates, Cites Tariffs as Inflation Risk, Cuts Growth Forecast

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Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady, Cites Tariffs as Inflation Risk, Downgrades Economic Growth Forecast

In our top story, the Federal Reserve has decided to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged but still expects to cut rates twice this year despite inflation remaining stubbornly high.

In its latest quarterly projections, the Fed downgraded its growth forecast, predicting the economy will grow more slowly in the coming years, with growth expected to hit just 1.7% by 2025. While inflation is projected to pick up slightly, the Fed warned that tariffs on U.S. imports could push prices higher and delay progress on bringing inflation down to its 2% target.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the economy and noted that the impact of tariffs could lead to a one-time price spike. However, Powell stressed that the economy remains healthy, with low unemployment and continued growth.

As the Fed moves to the sidelines, it will carefully monitor economic developments and adjust its strategy as needed. Investors were encouraged by Powell’s comments, and the S&P 500 rose 1% in response.”

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DOJ Refutes ‘Misleading’ Claims on Clear Cooperation Policy, Leaves Door Open for Further Investigation

In a new statement, the Department of Justice is pushing back against ‘misleading’ claims regarding its stance on the Clear Cooperation Policy, or CCP, in the real estate industry. Despite what some industry participants have suggested, the DOJ clarified it has not taken a position on whether the policy is anticompetitive.

In a footnote buried in a March 17 filing, the DOJ stated that public claims about its views were ‘out of context.’ While the DOJ has not yet labeled CCP as anti-competitive, it did leave the door open for future investigations, especially regarding exceptions that may benefit larger brokerages. This could include private listing networks, which some say might be unfairly benefiting from the rule.

The DOJ’s comments come amidst heated debates in the real estate world, with major players like Compass CEO Robert Reffkin calling for action, while others argue the policy encourages fair competition. Industry lawyer Brian Schneider sees the DOJ’s statement as a ‘good sign’ for the industry, noting that voluntary listing sharing can promote competition—though large brokerages should still be cautious.”

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Madison County Agent Sounds the Alarm on Rising Online Scams, Calls for Community Vigilance

And finally, a Madison County real estate agent is speaking out about the rise in online scams and the personal toll they’ve taken. With advanced technology comes increasingly sophisticated fraud. From phishing emails to fake job posts, scams are on the rise.

Real estate agent Devin Todd Ramsey has seen the problem firsthand—her own listings have been stolen and posted online as rental properties. ‘It’s absolutely infuriating,’ Ramsey said. Scammers are targeting vacant homes and unsuspecting victims, convincing them to pay deposits for properties that don’t exist.

According to the FBI’s 2023 Internet Crime Report, phishing topped the list of reported crimes, tricking victims into handing over sensitive information. Recently, Ramsey uncovered a fake job post in a local Facebook group offering high-paying positions but with red flags all over.

To fight back, she created an online job board for the community, offering links to trusted resources. Ramsey encourages everyone to stay vigilant and report scams to the Better Business Bureau or through Facebook’s own anti-scam tools.”

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