What effect do higher interest rates typically have on consumer behavior?

Higher interest rates generally encourage saving because they increase the return on savings accounts and other interest-bearing financial products. When interest rates rise, the potential reward for saving money becomes more attractive to consumers, leading many to prioritize saving over spending or borrowing. Higher rates make loans more expensive and discourage people from borrowing money for large purchases, such as homes or cars. This can shift consumer behavior towards savings instead of expenditures, as individuals seek to take advantage of the interest earned on their savings.

In contrast, lower interest rates would typically encourage spending and borrowing, as consumers would find loans more affordable and the returns on savings less appealing. Therefore, in a scenario of rising interest rates, the propensity to save increases significantly, influencing overall consumer behavior.