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What Expeditors Intl. of Washington Employees Should Know About the Latest Fed Rate Cut

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Expeditors International of Washington Expeditors International of Washington primarily partners with major healthcare providers to offer employee health benefits. Typically, these include national insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Anthem (Elevance Health), and Kaiser Permanente, among others. Employees are encouraged to choose plans that fit their specific healthcare needs. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026 As we approach 2026, healthcare costs are expected to surge significantly for employees of Expeditors International of Washington, largely driven by the anticipated expiration of enhanced premiums under the Affordable Care Act. Without these subsidies, many individuals could face premium increases exceeding 75%, impacting affordability and access to care. Coupled with rising medical costs and higher drug spending, these changes may create substantial financial burdens for employees and retirees alike, necessitating proactive budgeting and health planning. Click here to learn more

'Expeditors Intl. of Washington 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, Expeditors Intl. of Washington 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 Expeditors Intl. of Washington 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 Expeditors Intl. of Washington 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 Expeditors Intl. of Washington 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 Expeditors Intl. of Washington 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 Expeditors Intl. of Washington 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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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 savings plan does Expeditors Intl. of Washington offer to its employees?

Expeditors Intl. of Washington offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

How can I enroll in the 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington?

Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington by completing the enrollment form available through the HR portal.

Does Expeditors Intl. of Washington match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Expeditors Intl. of Washington provides a matching contribution to employee 401(k) contributions, subject to certain limits.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington?

The maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington follows the IRS guidelines, which are updated annually.

Can I change my contribution percentage to the 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage at any time through the HR portal or by contacting HR at Expeditors Intl. of Washington.

When can I start withdrawing from my 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington?

Employees can typically start withdrawing from their 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington after reaching the age of 59½, subject to plan rules.

Are there any penalties for early withdrawal from the 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington?

Yes, early withdrawals from the 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington may incur penalties and taxes, as per IRS regulations.

What investment options are available in the 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington?

The 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds.

How often can I change my investment options in the 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington?

Employees can change their investment options in the 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington as often as they wish, typically with no restrictions on frequency.

Is there a vesting schedule for the employer match in the 401(k) plan at Expeditors Intl. of Washington?

Yes, Expeditors Intl. of Washington has a vesting schedule for employer matching contributions, which employees should review in the plan documents.

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

Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. offers a robust 401(k) plan with automatic enrollment and company matching contributions. At the end of 2022, Expeditors' 401(k) plan had total assets of $839,061,386, with 9,224 participants. The average retirement account value per participant in 2022 was $90,965. Employees contributed an average of $6,619 annually, with the company matching approximately $1,947 per employee, amounting to 30.92% of employee contributions (Smart 40K Plus). The plan includes automatic enrollment and default investments for employees who do not actively manage their account allocations. Expeditors does not appear to have a defined benefit pension plan but operates a defined contribution plan, making the 401(k) plan their primary retirement vehicle. The company encourages long-term saving by offering a straightforward employer match, providing employees with additional retirement security. Expeditors' matching contributions totaled $17,965,349 in 2022. The investment growth rate in 2022 was notably affected by market fluctuations, showing a -14.04% growth rate

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Expeditors International of Washington announced a strategic restructuring plan aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency. This plan included a reduction in workforce across several departments. The decision was driven by the need to adapt to shifting market conditions and optimize operational costs. It is crucial to follow this news due to the current economic environment, which is characterized by volatility and uncertainty in global trade and logistics. Understanding these changes can provide insights into broader industry trends and potential impacts on job security and organizational stability.

Expeditors International of Washington offers stock options and RSUs to certain employees. Stock options are granted based on performance and tenure, while RSUs are typically awarded to senior management and key employees. According to the 2023 Proxy Statement (page 45), the company provides these incentives to align employee interests with company performance.

Health Benefits Section: The website should provide detailed information about the health insurance plans, types of coverage, and any recent changes for 2022-2024. Business and Financial News Websites: Recent Articles: Search for any news articles on employee benefits changes, cost adjustments, or healthcare-related updates. Job Review Sites: Employee Feedback: Review employee testimonials and ratings for insights into healthcare benefits and satisfaction. Industry News Websites: Trends and Comparisons: Investigate if there are any reports on how Expeditors' benefits compare with industry standards. Healthcare Benefit Platforms: Benefit Analysis: Look for any detailed reports or reviews on healthcare plans provided by Expeditors International.