The US central bank just made it cheaper for banks to borrow cash
What happened
The US central bank has lowered the interest rate it charges banks for short-term loans. This makes it less expensive for banks to borrow money when they need it quickly.
Why it matters
When banks can borrow money more cheaply from the central bank, they are more likely to lend that money out to businesses and consumers. This can encourage more economic activity. It also signals the central bank's view on the overall health of the financial system.
The signal
Watch for changes in how much banks borrow from the central bank in the coming weeks, and whether this translates into more lending to the public.