Episode overview

The U.S. Federal Reserve just cut interest rates by 0.25% (25 basis points) — but why does this matter, and how does it affect not just the U.S. but the entire world?

In this finance edition of Phrasal Verb News, I’ll explain the Fed’s decision in simple terms, show how it impacts inflation, jobs, and global markets, and teach you 4 phrasal verbs/idioms to talk about economic cause and effect.

What you’ll learn today

• keep something in check – to control or limit something
• En español: mantener bajo control
• take a back seat to – to become less important than something else
• En español: pasar a segundo plano
• better off / worse off – to be in a better or worse situation
• En español: estar en una mejor o peor situación
• ripple effect – when one action causes many effects
• En español: efecto dominó / efecto en cadena

Practice prompts

• What’s one thing you try to keep in check in your daily life?
• What goals in your life sometimes take a back seat to urgent needs?
• Is your country better off or worse off after recent economic changes?
• Can you think of a decision at work that had a ripple effect on many people?

Key takeaway

The Fed’s decision shows how a small change in Washington can create a ripple effect across the globe — shaping trade, investment, and even prices. The goal is for people to be better off, not worse off, but the outcome depends on how the economy reacts in the coming months.

Connect

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