The Federal Reserve meeting next week is expected to be one of its most contentious in years, and investors are focused on how divided policymakers are over an expected interest-rate cut and what Chair Jerome Powell signals about the path ahead.

The Fed’s preferred inflation gauge edged up mostly in line with economists’ expectations in September, likely paving the way for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates next week. The core personal consumption expenditures,

But some homebuyers may not even have to wait for that cut to be made official, as mortgage rates could drop before the December Fed meeting even concludes. Below, we'll detail the reasons behind this potential dynamic and what buyers may want to do right now to prepare. Start by seeing how low your current mortgage rate offers are here.

The economy is barely adding jobs — and it might even be losing them.

Doubts over AI demand put pressure on tech and a surprise fall in private-sector employment revealed cracks in the job market.