The federal funds rate has a direct effect on the market. The funds, which are the rates banks pay for overnight loans, are the most vital interest rates globally as they directly influence bank loan interest rates, mortgage, and credit card interests. A vital rate, the prime rate, which is the percentage at which banks charge their consumers, is affected by the fed funds rates. Consequently, other consumer-interest rates get affected, for example, deposits, adjustable mortgage rates, credit card rates, etc. Another ripple effect on LIBOR is applied by banks internationally to decide the interest rates charged on the adjustable mortgage rates. Also, the long-term rates of interest are influenced.

Lastly, the Federal Open Market Committee applies the fed fund rates to control the economy by changing the benchmark to influence employment, inflation and moderate the interest rates.