A rapid slowdown in the rate of U.S. inflation appears to have lost steam, potentially raising questions about how aggressively the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates early next year.

On Nov. 7, the Federal Reserve implemented a 0.25% reduction to the federal funds rate, its second cut in over four years. Prospective homebuyers are eager for a silver lining in the housing market. But experts don't anticipate dramatically lower rates before the end of the year.

The Federal Reserve issued another cut to the federal funds rate this week. Here's what it could mean for HELOC rates.

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates on Thursday for the second time in three months, likely setting the stage for a drop in borrowing costs.

The rate cut follows a half-point cut on Sept. 18. The short term rate is used for overnight loans among banks, but it plays a huge role in influencing many interest rates that consumers and businesses pay to borrow throughout the economy,

Jason Furman, former chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, says he expects the Federal Reserve to cut rates again in December, but after that, the pace of cutting will slow down. He's on "." (

The Federal Reserve has made two consecutive interest rate cuts but potential homebuyers are wondering when mortgage rates will drop. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady breaks down what this means.