Elon Musk Slams Fed's Inaction on Rate Cuts, Calls Them 'Foolish'

By Thea Felicity

Aug 05, 2024 11:10 AM EDT

Elon Musk Slams Fed's Inaction on Rate Cuts, Calls Them 'Foolish'
Tesla CEO Elon Musk (C) listens as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses a joint meeting of Congress in the chamber of the House of Representatives at the U.S. Capitol on July 24, 2024 in Washington, DC. Netanyahu’s visit occurs as the Israel-Hamas war reaches nearly ten months. A handful of Senate and House Democrats boycotted the remarks over Israel’s treatment of Palestine.
(Photo : Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Elon Musk recently voiced strong criticism of the Federal Reserve's decision not to cut interest rates, labeling the inaction as "foolish." 

In a post on X, Musk argued that the Fed's current policy could harm the US economy as concerns grew regarding elevated interest rates that may have been maintained for too long, potentially stalling economic growth.

Musk's remarks were made in response to recent weak economic data that has fueled speculation about the Fed's next move. While the central bank left its benchmark overnight interest rate unchanged at 5.25%-5.50% last week, many market watchers expect a rate cut at the upcoming September 17-18 meeting. 

READ MORE: US Unemployment Rate Hits 4.3% as July Adds Only 114,000 Jobs

Why Federal Reserve Cut Rates

Now, Reuters reported that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has already indicated that a rate cut could be on the table next month if the US economy continues along its current trajectory. This decision will be important as it coincides with the lead-up to the U.S. presidential election, making the Fed's actions a focal point of national attention. 

The Federal Reserve cuts interest rates to stimulate economic growth by making borrowing cheaper, encouraging spending and investment. This can help reduce the cost of existing debt for consumers and businesses, providing more disposable income and easing financial burdens. 

Investors and businesses are especially frustrated with the Fed's decision not to cut rates, despite signs of economic weakness, because they fear that high interest rates may slow down the economy further. Elevated rates can discourage borrowing and spending, leading to reduced business investment and consumer spending. 

Critics argue that the Fed's cautious approach risks stalling economic growth and potentially pushing the economy into a recession. 

READ NEXT: Citi Bank Breaches Fed Rule and Admits to Errors in Financial Reporting

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