What are the current expectations for interest rates?

One of the important factors that effect business value is macroeconomic conditions which include interest rates and the cost of capital. Business owners who want to know what is going to happen to interest rates should be aware of new leadership at the Federal Reserve.

On February 5, 2018, Jerome “Jay” H. Powell took the oath of office as the new Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, succeeding Janet Yellen.

The Federal Reserve System (“the Fed”) is the central bank of the United States. It performs five general functions to promote the effective operation of the U.S. economy and, more generally, the public interest.

One of the Fed’s functions is to conduct the nation’s monetary policy to promote maximum employment, stable prices, and moderate long-term interest rates in the U.S. economy. The Fed sets the federal funds discount rate to influence the interest rates banks and other lending institutions charge to business and consumers.

What does the change in leadership mean for interest rates and the economy? The new chairman is stressing continuity as he takes over as Fed chairman, which suggests the central bank will keep gradually raising interest rates in 2018, unperturbed by recent market volatility and signs of firming inflation.

Interest rates have been at historical lows since the Great Recession but are expected to continue gradual rising toward more long-term historical levels. For business owners, knowing where interest rates are headed can help in planning both ongoing operational financing needs and in understanding buyers cost of capital. If you are a business owner considering selling, now is a good time as expectations are for continued growth in the U.S. economy, and interest rates are at historic lows.

For more information on the effects of interest rates and macroeconomic conditions on business valuation and M&A activity, Email Louis Cionci at LCionci@exitstrategiesgroup.com or call him at 707-781-8582.