Silver Rises Over 120% YTD 
The Federal Reserve’s recent rate-cutting cycle has failed to provide the financial relief many Americans anticipated, creating a stark disconnect between monetary policy and consumer reality.
Despite a full percentage point reduction in the Fed’s benchmark rate since September 2024, consumers face a challenging environment where borrowing costs remain elevated across multiple sectors.
Mortgage rates continue to hover around 7%, vehicle financing remains expensive with new car loans at 6.8%, and credit card APRs have shown only minimal decreases. The situation is particularly dire for millennials, who represent the largest share of home buyers and are in their prime borrowing years, with 82% reporting significant financial impact from high rates.
