Short-term U.S. interest rates are likely to be lower on Inauguration Day in 2025 than they are on Election Day, and that means the U.S. Federal Reserve almost certainly will continue to cut the benchmark federal funds rate — not just this week but at its December meeting as well.

The average home equity loan interest rate is 8.35% right now. And while that could certainly fall if the Fed issues a 25 basis point cut to the federal funds rate as expected on Thursday, it's unlikely that home equity loan rates will change dramatically once the meeting has concluded. Here are three reasons why:

Any lock on a top-paying CD is smart before the Fed makes its move this week. Rates of 5%+ are available with guarantees up to a year, but longer rate locks are wise too.