After a lengthy pause, the Federal Reserve on Sept. 17 announced a quarter percentage point cut to its benchmark interest rate. Economists say it is likely the first in a series of reductions that should make borrowing more accessible for consumers. Fed Chair Jerome Powell described the reduction as “a risk-management cut” against the growing downside risks to employment. But with inflation still above the Fed’s 2% target – typically justification to raise rates or keep them steady – Powell acknowledged t ...