LendingTree Chief Economist Predicts a Pause at the August 8th Federal Reserve Meeting

CHARLOTTE, N.C., August 3, 2006 – The next Federal Reserve meeting is set for Tuesday, August 8, 2006. LendingTree Chief Economist forecasts a pause in rate hikes.

“The tightening of the last 17 meetings has definitely had an effect on the housing market and downstream consumer spending,” says Jim Svinth, chief economist, LendingTree. “We see it in the latest GDP numbers and hear it anecdotally.”

Predictions of the next Fed meeting run the gamut as economists nationwide are keeping a keen eye on inflation and what another rate change will do for this key economic measure.

“While oil prices and Middle East unrest are threats, they are probably the only real threats for higher inflation,” says Mr. Svinth. “Economic growth seems well contained at this point and at least a couple Fed governors seem concerned about overdoing it. As far as the next Fed move, the slight edge goes to a pause at the August meeting.”

About LendingTree, LLC

LendingTree, LLC is the nation’s number one online lending exchange, providing a marketplace that connects consumers with multiple lenders that compete for their business. Since inception, LendingTree has facilitated more than 18 million loan requests and $141 billion in closed loan transactions. LendingTree provides access to mortgages and refinance loans, home equity loans/lines of credit, auto loans, personal loans, and credit cards via www.lendingtree.com and 800-555-TREE.

Founded in 1998 with headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, LendingTree, LLC is part of IAC Financial Services and Real Estate, an operating business of IAC/InterActiveCorp (NASDAQ: IACI), which also owns or operates LendingTree Loans, LendingTree Settlement Services, LLC, GetSmart®, RealEstate.com®, Domania®, and iNest®.