7 Stocks to Sell After the Fed Rate Hike in July As soaring inflation continues to impose a dark cloud over American families, the Federal Reserve seemingly had little choice but to lift the benchmark federal funds rate, which effectively raises borrowing costs. However, this action also sucks the incentivization out of growth-oriented businesses, meaning that some companies will invariably represent stocks to sell. It’s not personal, it’s just monetary policy. The latter point is especially important if you’re going to continue reading this pessimistic piece on stocks to sell. Inherently, with arguably most Americans preferring optimism over pessimism, the idea of giving up on investments arouses strong emotions. I get that. However, with the paradigm shift in monetary policy — that being the recent 75 basis point hike in the benchmark interest rate — investors must acknowledge reality. In short, higher borrowing costs shine a glaring spotlight on big-ticket items. We’re talking homes, cars, planes, boats — yes, even the mighty blockchain.