The Impact of Interest Rates on Stock Market Returns
Introduction Interest rates play a critical role in the economy, influencing various aspects of financial markets, including stock market returns. Central banks, such as the Federal Reserve in the USA, control interest rates as a tool to regulate economic growth and inflation. This article delves into how changes in interest rates affect stock market returns, the mechanisms behind these effects, and what investors need to know to navigate a fluctuating interest rate environment.
**1. Understanding Interest Rates
- What Are Interest Rates?: Interest rates represent the cost of borrowing money. They are set by central banks and influence the rates