How does the Fed’s interest rate hike hit consumer financing in 2017?

Economists are expecting a federal rate hike in the mid of December 2016. The U.S. Central Bank is also indicating the same.

As per the CME's Fed Watch tool calculation, there's a 96.3% chance of Fed’s interest rate hike in the December meeting.

Danielle DiMartino Booth, the former Dallas Fed advisor recently remarked on CNBC that "The focus has shifted well beyond December."

Chicago Fed President Charles Evans said that the Federal Reserve is going to hike short-term interest rates by three quarter point by the end of the year, 2017.

Janet Yellen, chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve said in her speech that the U.S. economy, consumer spending, and the labor market are improving. Both Yellen and the Federal Reserve Board expect inflation to increase as well. The effect can bring a good impact in the job market.

She said, “In light of the continued solid performance of the labor market and our outlook for economic activity and inflation, I believe the case for an increase in the federal funds rate has strengthened in recent months”.

Differences in opinion are there. Mark Vitner, a senior economist at Wells Fargo, stated that "When GDP growth has struggled to average even 2% growth, the global economy is shaky and the most recent month's economic data are inexplicably weak, you do not raise interest rates!"

Donald Luskin, the chief investment officer of Trend Macrolytics, in his recent speech, has said that the Federal Reserve should not hike the interest rate.

However, whatever be the speculations, Fed’s rate hike will significantly have impact on consumer's wallet. Here's how:

1. Higher credit card rates

As per the TransUnion's calculation, if the Federal Reserve hikes the short-term rate by a quarter percentage point, then nearly 82% of consumers with a variable-rate credit account would notice their monthly payments increase by $10 and few by $50 or more.

The TransUnion has also predicted that further rate hike might increase monthly minimums, which can cause "payment shock" for some consumers.

2. Higher prime rate

The prime rate symbolizes the lowest interest rate that banks offer to the creditworthy customers. A hike in the Federal Reserve's rate increases the prime rate, too. So, the banks will increase the cost of fixed as well as variable-rate loans.

Thus, less creditworthy consumers may face difficulties in borrowing credit.

However, don't expect massive interest rate hike; because the law prevents to increase the interest rate rapidly.

3. Higher mortgage rates

The impact of Fed’s rate hike may cause a jump in the mortgage rate.

Short-term rates like adjustable-rate mortgages and home equity lines of credit may get a boost.

The initial interest rate hike can raise the rate on the long-term bonds as well.

4. Stock market may get a blow

Sock market depends on many factors. But, changes in the Federal Reserve rate can influence the behavior of consumers and businesses. So, the stock market may get sensitive.

5. Stronger U.S. dollar

Fed’s rate hike can make the dollar more powerful. Potential foreign investors are more likely to buy U.S. Treasury bonds and notes with the rising interest rate. Thus, the U.S. dollar will become more strong.

Global companies may face difficulties in exporting U.S. goods to abroad due to the higher price rate.

Finally, the Federal Open Market Committee has decided to keep the Federal funds rate at 0.25 to 0.5%.

Everyone is eagerly awaiting for the December meeting to know whether or not the speculations are true.