Rate Hikes Begin with Bill Addiss! - 09/16/26

The Fed is hiking again. For the first time in more than three years, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates today, pushing the Fed Funds target range up 25 basis points to 3.75%–4.00%. But the bigger story isn't today's quarter-point move. It's what comes NEXT. On today's TraderMerlin, I'm joined by longtime bond trader Bill Addiss to break down today's Fed decision and what it means for the bond market, stocks, mortgages, the dollar—and your portfolio. Bill has spent decades trading fixed-income markets, so we're going beyond the headlines and looking at how professional bond traders interpret today's move. We'll discuss: Why Now? – What's forcing the Fed back into rate-hike mode? Inflation – Why stubborn prices and the recent surge in energy remain a problem The Bond Market – What the 2-year, 10-year and 30-year Treasuries are telling us More Hikes Coming? – Is today's move a one-and-done adjustment or the beginning of another tightening cycle? Stocks – What higher rates could mean for the S&P 500, Nasdaq and high-valuation growth stocks Mortgages & Credit – How higher rates eventually work their way through the economy The Yield Curve – What Bill is watching for clues about growth, inflation and Fed policy And there's an important twist. The Fed says economic activity remains solid, employment remains relatively strong and inflation is still too high. That gives policymakers room to fight inflation. But every additional hike increases the cost of money throughout the economy. So how far can the Fed push rates before something starts to break? That's where today's conversation with Bill gets p