Short-term U.S. interest rates are likely to be lower on Inauguration Day in 2025 than they are on Election Day, and that means the U.S. Federal Reserve almost certainly will continue to cut the benchmark federal funds rate — not just this week but at its December meeting as well.

The Fed is expected to cut rates for a second straight month but by a smaller amount. How and when consumers may feel the effects isn't as clear.

The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq jumped to a fresh record high on Thursday after the Fed delivered a 25 basis point rate cut.