interest rates

Weak Jobs Report May Kill Interest Rate Hike For This Year

3:55pm October 02, 2015

by Marilyn Geewax

Job growth turned out to be a lot slower in September than most economists had been assuming. Now, with hiring looking weak, they think the Federal Reserve may put off any rate increase until 2016.

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, speaking at a news conference in Washington on Thursday, said the U.S. economy has been performing well but the global outlook is more uncertain.

Economy

Fed Leaves Rates Unchanged Amid 'Heightened Uncertainties' Abroad

4:24pm September 17, 2015

by Marilyn Geewax

The Federal Reserve decided to leave interest rates unchanged at historically low levels, even though the U.S. economy has been gaining strength. The Fed has kept a key rate near zero since late 2008.

A police officer keeps watch outside the Federal Reserve headquarters in Washington, D.C., where policymakers weighed whether to boost interest rates.

The Fed Holds Rates Steady; Here's Who Is Clapping

3:55pm September 17, 2015

by Marilyn Geewax

The Federal Reserve chose to leave interest rates unchanged Thursday. For the central bank even a decision to do nothing is a big deal, creating all sorts of winners (homebuyers) and losers (savers).

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in March. Investors have been waiting to see whether the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates for the first time since 2006.

The Downside Of Keeping Interest Rates So Low For So Long

11:56am September 16, 2015

by Marilyn Geewax

Some economists say the Federal Reserve should leave rates alone, but many say super-low rates have big risks, too. They argue that the central bank needs to push rates back up to historic norms.

Do You Use Money? If So, You'll Want To Read This By Thursday

12:51pm September 15, 2015

by Marilyn Geewax

This week, the Federal Reserve will be making decisions that could affect your ability to borrow. Because it works behind closed doors, it can seem mysterious. Here's what the Fed is and does.

August Jobless Data To Influence Fed's Decision On Hiking Interest Rates

12:14pm September 04, 2015

by John Ydstie

The monthly jobs report could tip the balance for the Federal Reserve. Policymakers are weighing whether to raise the Fed's official interest rates later this month.

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A Chinese worker is seen at a construction site in Beijing. Economic changes in China and in other places have reduced demand and prices for commodities like the metal in the building's structure.

Drawing A Line From The Chinese Stock Market To Your Wallet

1:03pm July 28, 2015

by Marilyn Geewax

U.S. commodities — copper, corn, coal and more — are cheaper because of China's economic cooling. Producers got caught up in China's "teaser" demand for more of everything. It couldn't last.

Will Slower U.S. Economy Make Fed Wait To Raise Rates?

5:10pm May 08, 2015

by Avie Schneider

The economy posted its weakest performance in a year, growing at a 0.2 percent pace in the first quarter. Analysts say that could affect the central bank's timetable for boosting rates.

Earlier this year, the European Central Bank, headed by Mario Draghi, launched a bond-buying program to drive down interest rates and boost borrowing.

When Rates Turn Negative, Banks Pay Customers To Borrow

10:30pm April 20, 2015

by John Ydstie

European interest rates are being pushed so low — to less than zero — that some banks are paying borrowers to take loans. Such low rates are aimed at boosting Europe's economy, but there are risks.

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Economy

Fed Sends Clear Sign On Raising Rates, But Says Hike Unlikely In April

5:42pm March 18, 2015

by Krishnadev Calamur

In a statement, the Federal Reserve dropped a pledge to be "patient" before raising interest rates.