With national economic growth picking up over the second half of the year, Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen has stated that the case for an interest rate increase has “strengthened,” implying that the United States has come a long way from the Great Recession. A great deal of uncertainty lies in the outcome of an increase in the interest rate. On one hand, it can boost investor confidence in the economic conditions, resulting in more investments.

On the other hand, the cost of borrowing money increases, which potentially deters future investments. The Federal Reserve continually changes its target interest rate based on its dual mandates: maximum employment and stable prices. While prices have been stable for quite some time, recent trends in employment across the nation and in Nevada suggest that the state is prepared to weather a rate increase should the Fed move forward with one.

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