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What Henry Schein Employees Should Know About the Latest Fed Rate Cut

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'Henry Schein 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, Henry Schein 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 Henry Schein 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 Henry Schein 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 Henry Schein 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 Henry Schein 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 Henry Schein 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 is the purpose of the 401(k) plan offered by Henry Schein?

The purpose of the 401(k) plan offered by Henry Schein is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis.

How can employees enroll in the Henry Schein 401(k) plan?

Employees can enroll in the Henry Schein 401(k) plan by completing the enrollment process through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

What types of contributions can employees make to the Henry Schein 401(k) plan?

Employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and potentially catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older in the Henry Schein 401(k) plan.

Does Henry Schein offer any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Henry Schein offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees boost their retirement savings.

What is the vesting schedule for the Henry Schein 401(k) matching contributions?

The vesting schedule for Henry Schein’s matching contributions typically follows a graded vesting schedule, which means employees earn ownership of the contributions over a specified period.

Can employees take loans against their 401(k) balance at Henry Schein?

Yes, employees may have the option to take loans against their 401(k) balance at Henry Schein, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in the Henry Schein 401(k) plan?

The Henry Schein 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock, allowing employees to diversify their portfolios.

How often can employees change their contribution amounts in the Henry Schein 401(k) plan?

Employees can typically change their contribution amounts in the Henry Schein 401(k) plan on a quarterly basis or as specified by the plan’s rules.

What happens to the 401(k) plan if an employee leaves Henry Schein?

If an employee leaves Henry Schein, they have several options for their 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out (subject to taxes and penalties), or leaving it in the Henry Schein plan if allowed.

Are there any fees associated with the Henry Schein 401(k) plan?

Yes, there may be administrative fees and investment-related fees associated with the Henry Schein 401(k) plan, which are disclosed 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.

Pension Plan: Henry Schein Pension Plan Years of Service/Age Qualification: 10 years of service or age 55 with 5 years of service Pension Formula: Final average pay multiplied by years of service 401(k) Plan: Henry Schein 401(k) Plan Eligibility: Employees over 21 years of age and have completed 1 year of service Company Match: 50% match on the first 6% of contributions

Restructuring and Layoffs: In 2023, Henry Schein announced a strategic restructuring plan aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and streamlining its global operations. This decision led to a reduction in workforce by approximately 5% to align with the company's new focus on digital transformation and expanded healthcare services. This restructuring is part of a broader effort to optimize performance and adapt to evolving market conditions. Importance: Addressing this news is crucial given the current economic climate and investment environment. Companies are continuously adapting to market changes, which impacts their workforce and operational strategies. Keeping informed about such developments helps stakeholders understand the broader implications for investment and economic stability.

Henry Schein offers stock options and RSUs to its employees as part of its compensation packages. In 2022, Henry Schein provided stock options under the acronym "SO" and RSUs under "RSU" to eligible employees, including executives and key personnel. These options and units are intended to align employee interests with company performance and long-term goals. [Source: Henry Schein Annual Report 2022, Page 47]

Healthcare Benefits (2023/2024): Henry Schein offers a range of health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage. They provide health insurance through major providers, and the plans often include wellness programs, preventative care, and employee assistance programs (EAP). They also offer flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs).

Additional Articles

Check Out Articles for Henry Schein employees

For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Henry Schein at , ; or by calling them at .

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