interest rates

A television screen on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange shows the Federal Reserve's rate decision on Wednesday.

Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady

4:44pm July 26, 2017

by John Ydstie

As expected, the Federal Reserve says it will hold interest rates in a range between 1 percent and 1.25 percent, while noting job gains have been solid and the labor market continues to strengthen.

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen speaks to reporters in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday after the Fed announced it would increase interest rates by a quarter-point.

Fed Raises Key Interest Rate For 4th Time Since 2015

3:55pm June 14, 2017

by Avie Schneider

The quarter-point increase in the Federal Reserve's benchmark rate was widely expected. Rates are still near historic lows, but the increase will mean higher borrowing costs for consumers.

A television screen on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange reflects the Federal Reserve's decision Wednesday to hold rates steady.

Federal Reserve Leaves Interest Rates Unchanged

4:41pm May 03, 2017

by John Ydstie

Central bank policymakers provided little guidance on the timing of a rate hike. They said slow growth in the first quarter it is likely transitory and that inflation is close to a goal of 2 percent.

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen speaks during a news conference in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

Federal Reserve Raises Key Interest Rate, Signals 2 More Increases This Year

5:16pm March 15, 2017

by Yuki Noguchi

The Fed also said it is looking to increase rates three times in 2018, as inflation approaches the central bank's target annual rate of 2 percent and the unemployment rate appears stable.

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen is expected to discuss the central bank's decision on a benchmark interest rate Wednesday. She's seen here speaking on Capitol Hill last month.

Economy

Federal Reserve Raises Key Interest Rate In First Move Since 2015

4:20pm December 14, 2016

by Bill Chappell

The vote to nudge benchmark interest rates higher was unanimous, the central bank says. The rate moves from the current 0.25-0.50 percent to a range of 0.50 and 0.75 percent.

Queue Listen Now

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen speaks during a House Financial Services Committee hearing in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 28.

Fed Leaves Rates Unchanged, But Signals Increase May Be Coming

4:22pm November 02, 2016

by Marilyn Geewax

Federal Reserve policymakers finished meeting Wednesday, less than a week before Election Day. They left interest rates unchanged but said the case for more expensive loans is strengthening.

A home is offered for sale in Chicago. Mortgage interest rates have been falling, helping potential homebuyers.

'Summer Of Love' Was More Fun, But 'Summer Of Loans' Is Good Too

9:58am July 16, 2016

by Marilyn Geewax

Lending rates have been bumping along at historic lows this summer. That has helped a lot of people, such as home and car buyers. But it has hurt some too, including retirees and bankers.

Natalia Mendez goes over mortgage terms with Raul Alvarez, a senior loan officer for Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Dec. 16 in Miami.

With Rates Down, It's Time For Many To Refinance Again. Thanks, Brexit

8:53am July 08, 2016

by Yuki Noguchi

With the Federal Reserve keeping rates low and Treasury yields dropping after the Brexit vote, mortgage rates are down too. That's spurring a boomlet in applications and refinancings.

Federal Reserve policymakers left rates unchanged, saying they were worried about job growth and did not want higher rates to affect hiring.

Go Ahead, Shop For That Car; The Fed Is Leaving Interest Rates Very Low

4:40pm June 15, 2016

by Marilyn Geewax

The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at very low levels. Fed policymakers expressed worries about job growth, so they did not want higher rates to further cool hiring.

British Prime Minister David Cameron delivers a speech on the upcoming EU referendum in London on June 7. Concerns about a possible "Brexit" from the EU have rattled financial markets.

Bonds Pay Less Than Zero As Investors Flee To Safety

7:39am June 15, 2016

by Jim Zarroli

Germany became the latest country where investors are paying the government for the privilege of owning bonds. It's usually the other way around. Global economic fears are driving this unusual trend.

Queue Listen Now