A "domino effect" is when one thing tumbles into another and causes an inevitable reaction. If interest rates are increased, it will tend to cause individuals and companies to hesitate or delay in making investments that would require them to borrow. As <em>Investment News</em> explained (July 25, 2017): "Higher interest rates lead to higher borrowing costs, so mortgages would become more costly and business loan interest rates would rise. Some home buyers might postpone making real estate investments, and small business owners may be disinclined to take on debt."
