Dear Rundown reader,

Sorting through our email inbox this morning, we received several kind accolades…

“Thanks for the concise explanation of polling and how the numbers can be skewed to favor one candidate or another,” Craig B. writes.

“Really appreciate the detailed information,” he adds. “Keep up the great work!”

And after last week’s post-debate issue, Sherri M. said: “I give you an A+.

“Thank you for publishing the facts in regard to last night's debate between Trump and Harris. Your information was the best I’ve read this morning.”

As for Paradigm’s YouTube channel, Bill N. says: “Great interview with Jim Rickards! I enjoyed hearing his perspective on the presidential debate situation. Thanks!”

Thank YOU, readers, for such exceptional feedback. We’ll stay the course, delivering on the promises we made for the Election Insider — when there were still 92 days until November 5th.

Now, here’s more on what you can expect from the Federal Reserve this afternoon…

Send your opinions to, feedback@newsyoucanacton.com

Your Rundown for Wednesday, September 18, 2024...

Fed Delivers Aggressive Rate Cut

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will wrap up its two-day meeting and announce its latest decision on interest rates at 2:00 pm EST.

Our money is on a half-point rate cut.

If that happens — and we expect it will — it could indicate the Fed thinks the U.S. economy will run totally off-the-rails without bold action.

But what does a half-point cut mean for regular Americans like you and me?

The immediate impact would be negligible… unless you’re among the 60% of Americans who actually have a vested interest in the stock market.

Because the stock market mainlines Fed rate cuts.

Eventually, however, if you’re looking to buy a house or refinance your mortgage, you might catch a break with lower interest rates. Car loans and credit card rates could drop too.

And American businesses might feel some relief. Cheaper loans could encourage hiring and capital spending.

On the flip side, interest rates on savings accounts will likely take a hit, so your hard-earned cash won’t earn as much as it used to.

In short, a rate cut is not a magic bullet for all our economic woes.

That said, the Fed meets two more times this year — and the dates are pegged to some key political events:

• First, the FOMC will meet immediately after Election Day on November 6-7.

• Last, the FOMC meets on December 17-18.

Simultaneously this year, on December 17…

“The electors meet in their respective states [to] cast their votes for president and vice president,” the Bipartisan Policy Center says.

“Electors sign multiple certificates attesting to the votes they have given, sign and endorse the certificates, and transmit them to officials in Washington, DC, and their state.”

Of course, the Federal Reserve maintains that it’s far removed from politics.

Baloney.

“Delivering a rate cut just six weeks before the presidential election would appear to favor Harris and work to Trump’s disadvantage,” says Paradigm’s macro expert Jim Rickards.

“Still, the economy is showing signs of slowing. That economic slowdown gives the Fed [cover] to deliver a rate cut,” Jim says, “for Harris.”

And we expect more quantitative easing from the Fed — at least one more rate cut of 0.50% in 2024…

The better to soothe citizens if there’s a post-election meltdown.

Market Rundown for Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024

S&P 500 futures are slightly in the green at 5,700.

Oil is down about 0.75% to $70.64 for a barrel of West Texas crude.

Gold’s up 0.45% to $2,604 per ounce this morning.

But Bitcoin is down 0.45%, just under $60k at the time of writing.

Send your comments and questions to, feedback@newsyoucanacton.com