Federal Reserve

Outlook 'Uncertain' For Global Economy, Yellen Tells Congress

1:08pm February 10, 2016

by Bill Chappell

Testifying for the first time since the Federal Reserve raised interest rates, Janet Yellen says volatility in the global markets means that "as is always the case, the economic outlook is uncertain."

Traders on the New York Stock Exchange greet the news that the Federal Reserve has decided against another interest rate hike.

Economy

Fed Keeps Rates Steady But Expresses Caution About The Global Economy

3:58pm January 27, 2016

by Jim Zarroli

Federal Reserve policymakers said they believe the U.S. economy is growing at a moderate pace, and that any increases this year will be "gradual."

A job seeker views a business card during a Giant Job Fair last month in Detroit. During 2015, employers created 2.65 million new jobs.

U.S. Economy Added A Robust 292,000 Jobs In December

10:56am January 08, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

Figures for October and November were revised upward, with job creation numbers over the past three months at an average of 284,000. Unemployment held steady last month at 5 percent.

Federal Reserve Bank Chair Janet Yellen holds a news conference after the central bank announced its first rate increase in more than 9 years.

Federal Reserve Announces Hike In Short-Term Interest Rates

5:54pm December 16, 2015

by Marilyn Geewax

After holding rates near zero for seven years, the Fed approved a small increase Wednesday. While that step seems minor, the impact could be huge in 2016 as borrowing costs head up.

Graphic showing U.S. economic indicators

These Seven Charts Can Help You See What The Fed Is Doing

8:13pm December 15, 2015

The Federal Reserve's thinking about interest rates may seem a bit mysterious. But here are some graphs that should help you see where we've been, and why the central bank may be ready to raise rates.

Economy

Junk Bonds Regain Some Lost Ground After A Bruising Few Days

4:13pm December 15, 2015

by Jim Zarroli

The junk bond market rebounded a bit on Tuesday, but questions remain about what the recent rout means for the economy. Much of the downturn in high-yield debt has been in oil and natural gas.

A computer screen displays the homepage of Twitter on April 3, 2009.

For Millennials, Rising Interest Rates Sound Like Olden Tales

4:59pm December 14, 2015

by Marilyn Geewax

The last time Fed policymakers raised rates, young Americans' lives were different. They couldn't share the news or comment via Twitter on iPhones and iPads because those things didn't exist.

April Thompson makes a purchase at Legacy Team Sales in Ocala, Fla., in September. Economists say October's surprisingly strong job growth will encourage the Federal Reserve to hike interest rates next month. So holiday shoppers may pay more for using cre

Strong Jobs Data Point To Pricier Credit Cards For Christmas

4:23pm November 06, 2015

by Marilyn Geewax

Economists are saying that October's surprisingly strong job growth will encourage the Federal Reserve to hike interest rates next month. So holiday shoppers may pay more for using credit cards.

U.S. Economy Added 271,000 Jobs In October, Beating Expectations

10:51am November 06, 2015

by Bill Chappell

The unemployment rate dipped slightly to 5 percent, according to the report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Fed Chief Says A Rate Hike In December Is Still A 'Live Possibility'

4:13pm November 04, 2015

by Jim Zarroli

The timing of an interest rate increase has been in question because of a slowing U.S. job market and troubles overseas.