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What Etsy Employees Should Know About the Latest Fed Rate Cut

Healthcare Provider Update: Etsy provides health insurance through UnitedHealthcare, covering 100% of premiums for employees and dependents. Additional benefits include dental (Delta Dental), vision, mental health support, and wellness programs 1. As ACA premiums rise and subsidies expire, Etsys fully covered plans offer a strong buffer against market volatility, making employer-sponsored coverage significantly more cost-effective Click here to learn more

'Etsy employees should recognize that recent rate shifts underscore the importance of regularly reviewing retirement cash flow plans and adapting to evolving economic conditions, rather than waiting for perfect data to act.' — Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'With the Federal Reserve adjusting rates despite limited economic data, Etsy employees should view this as a reminder to stay proactive and flexible in planning long-term retirement income strategies.' — Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article, we will discuss:

How recent Federal Reserve decisions could impact retirement and investment planning.
The effects of interest rate cuts and balance sheet policy changes on borrowing, savings, and markets.
How The Retirement Group can assist with navigating these economic developments.

Important Takeaways

The Federal Reserve lowered the federal funds rate by 25 basis points at its most recent October meeting, even though the federal government shutdown caused delays in releasing key economic data. This development may be particularly relevant for Etsy employees who monitor economic trends for retirement and investment planning.

The benchmark federal funds rate was reduced to its lowest level since September 2022, and now ranges between 3.75% and 4.00%. ¹

Along with the rate cut, the Federal Reserve announced it would end its quantitative tightening (QT), or balance sheet reduction process.

These policy shifts may affect savings rates, short-term borrowing costs, and overall market behaviour—factors that could influence retirement decisions for Etsy employees.

The Fed’s Decision Despite Limited Data

The Federal Reserve typically relies on government-issued economic data to support policy decisions. However, during the government shutdown, many federal reports—including updates on employment and payroll growth—were paused. A delayed Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showed ~3% inflation in September. But no new unemployment or payroll data was available after early September. ²

Despite limited data, the Fed acted based on viewpoints shared at its September meeting, when many members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) signalled further rate cuts before year-end, supported by prior trends.

Before the shutdown began, interest rate levels were considered “restrictive”—meaning high enough to slow economic activity—and earlier reports signalled weakening labor market conditions that could be meaningful to Etsy employees.

What the Rate Cut Means for Consumers and Investors

While the Federal Reserve controls short-term interest rates, it does not directly set rates for mortgages, bonds, or certificates of deposit (CDs).

Typical short-term effects of a rate cut can include:

- Changes to prime rate-linked borrowing costs, such as adjustable rate mortgages, certain credit cards, and home equity lines of credit.
- Lower returns on short-term fixed income vehicles, like money market funds, short-term Treasuries, and CDs.
- Potential support for financial markets—particularly equities—depending on broader economic conditions, which may be relevant to Etsy retirement accounts or company stockholders.

Changes to the Federal Reserve’s Balance Sheet Strategy

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve used quantitative easing (QE) to aid markets by purchasing large quantities of Treasury and mortgage-backed securities.

In 2022, the Fed shifted to quantitative tightening (QT), reducing its holdings primarily by not reinvesting maturing securities.

At its latest meeting, the Fed announced it would fully end QT rather than simply slow it.

Although these balance sheet adjustments may not be immediately obvious in day-to-day life, they can affect liquidity in the financial system and lending conditions, which may indirectly influence Etsy employees.

How The Retirement Group Can Assist

Understanding how interest rate cuts, inflation trends, and Federal Reserve policy affect your retirement savings can be challenging. The Retirement Group can help you review how these economic shifts may relate to pension options, investment income planning, and retirement strategies tailored to your situation. For help, you can reach us at (800) 900-5867.

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Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. nerdwallet. ' Fed Rate Drops for Second Time in 2025 ,' by Cara Smith. 21 Nov. 2025.

2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. ' Consumer Price Index ,' 24 Oct. 2025.

Other Resources:

1. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. “Federal Reserve Issues FOMC Statement.” FederalReserve.gov, 29 Oct. 2025, https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/monetary20251029a.htm .

2. Schneider, Howard. “Fed Lowers Rates, but Powell Suggests Move May Be the Last of 2025.” Reuters, 29 Oct. 2025, https://www.reuters.com/business/fed-in-fog-it-heads-toward-another-rate-cut-2025-10-29/ .

3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “September 2025 CPI Release Rescheduled.” BLS.gov, 10 Oct. 2025, https://www.bls.gov/bls/092025-cpi-reschedule-notice.htm .

4. Ackerman, Andrew. “Consumer Prices in September Rise to a Pace Not Seen Since January.” The Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2025, https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/10/24/delayed-inflation-report-tariffs/ .

5. Foster, Sarah. “6 Ways the Fed’s Interest Rate Decisions Impact Your Money.” Bankrate, 2025, https://www.bankrate.com/banking/federal-reserve/how-federal-reserve-impacts-your-money/

What type of retirement plan does Etsy offer to its employees?

Etsy offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does Etsy match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Etsy provides a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees maximize their retirement savings.

What is the eligibility requirement for Etsy employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at Etsy are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service, typically outlined in the employee handbook.

Can Etsy employees choose how to invest their 401(k) contributions?

Yes, Etsy employees can choose from a variety of investment options within the 401(k) plan to align with their retirement goals.

What is the vesting schedule for Etsy's 401(k) matching contributions?

Etsy has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period before they fully own those contributions.

How can Etsy employees access their 401(k) account information?

Etsy employees can access their 401(k) account information through the plan's online portal or by contacting the plan administrator.

Are there any fees associated with managing Etsy's 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with Etsy's 401(k) plan, which are typically disclosed in the plan documents.

Can Etsy employees take loans from their 401(k) accounts?

Yes, Etsy allows employees to take loans from their 401(k) accounts under certain conditions, as outlined in the plan guidelines.

What happens to an Etsy employee's 401(k) if they leave the company?

If an Etsy employee leaves the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash it out, or leave it in the Etsy plan if allowed.

Does Etsy provide financial education resources related to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Etsy offers financial education resources and workshops to help employees make informed decisions about their 401(k) savings.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Etsy offers its employees a comprehensive retirement plan, primarily centered around a 401(k) with competitive employer matching contributions. Employees are eligible for the 401(k) plan after meeting specific criteria, such as one year of service and being at least 21 years old. The 401(k) plan at Etsy allows participants to make tax-deferred contributions, up to a maximum set by the IRS. For the year 2024, this limit is $23,000, with an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500 for employees aged 50 and over (Investopedia) (CapitalGroup NACG). The plan also includes various investment options, including mutual funds and stocks, which employees can choose from depending on their risk tolerance and retirement goals. Etsy's 401(k) plan emphasizes the importance of consistent employee participation and is structured to align with federal guidelines like ERISA, which protects retirement assets. Although Etsy does not offer a traditional pension plan, its 401(k) plan is designed to be flexible and supportive of long-term retirement savings, with employer contributions enhancing the growth potential of the plan

Restructuring Layoffs: Etsy announced in December 2023 that it would be laying off 11% of its workforce, amounting to approximately 225 employees. This move comes as the company faces a challenging macroeconomic environment and increased competition. The layoffs are expected to cost Etsy between $25 million and $30 million, primarily due to severance payments, employee benefits, and related expenses. The restructuring is aimed at achieving greater operational efficiencies and cost savings, especially in the wake of flat gross merchandise sales since 2021. Additionally, Etsy has made significant changes to its executive team, including the departure of its Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer, with their responsibilities being redistributed among existing executives.

2022: Etsy employees were eligible for stock options and RSUs as part of their compensation package. Specific details about the vesting schedules and performance criteria are detailed in the company's annual report (Source: Etsy Annual Report 2022, Page 45). 2023: Etsy continued offering stock options and RSUs to its employees. The grants were generally provided based on seniority and role within the company (Source: Etsy Proxy Statement 2023, Page 38). 2024: In 2024, Etsy maintained its stock option and RSU programs. Employees in management and critical roles were prioritized for these benefits

1. Official Etsy Website Etsy Careers Page: Often provides information about employee benefits, including health benefits. Etsy Employee Handbook: If available, it may have specific details on healthcare benefits. 2. Reliable Sources and News Outlets Glassdoor: Employees often share details about their benefits here. Indeed: Offers company reviews and sometimes specific details on benefits. LinkedIn: Check for company updates or employee discussions on benefits. Forbes: May provide news or articles about employee benefits. Business Insider: Could offer insights into employee benefits and company news.