Asia stock markets were mixed on Friday following a muted Wall Street session overnight, with markets preparing for next week’s Fed interest rate decision, while the region also digested the expected interest rate reduction announced by the Reserve Bank of India.

Markets expect the Fed to lower interest rates again next week. Learn what steps can keep your savings earning a strong return—and how acting now could boost gains in 2026.

The U.S. Federal Reserve will reduce its key interest rate by a quarter-percentage point at the December 9-10 policy meeting to support a cooling labour market, according to a majority of over 100 economists surveyed by Reuters.

If the Federal Reserve cuts rates next week as predicted, and Kevin Hassett becomes Fed Chair, where will rates be at this time next year?

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.

It's been a frustrating period for those who have been priced out of the housing market due to high mortgage rates and home prices. Mortgage rates remain significantly higher than those from 2021, and prices for both new and existing homes have surged.