The U.S. Federal Reserve has auctioned $7.2 billion in safe Treasury securities to big investment firms, part of an ongoing effort to ease credit stresses.
The sick dollar may be getting a little healthier -- but it is far from making a full recovery.
Wall Street investment companies are borrowing from the Federal Reserve's emergency lending program at a fairly steady pace.
Treasury prices rose Thursday after government reports indicated the economy remains under pressure, lowering chances that the Federal Reserve will be able to raise interest rates in the near term.
The dollar was higher against the euro, but fell against the other major currencies late Thursday, tamped by weak American manufacturing and industrial output data.
Commercial banks and other financial institutions need to beef up their ability to detect and protect themselves against risks like the credit and mortgage debacles
The Federal Reserve has auctioned $7.2 billion in safe Treasury securities to big investment firms, part of an ongoing effort to ease credit stresses.
Long-term bond yields are edging close to 4%, a level they haven't touched since the end of last year. And some experts believe yields will only head higher in the coming months.
Industrial production fell in April, matching the largest decline since the one following Hurricane Katrina, according to a report released by the Federal Reserve on Thursday.
Treasury prices traded mixed Wednesday, after investors briefly rallied on a report showing mild April inflation but then gave up gains as stocks soared.
The U.S. Federal Reserve has auctioned $7.2 billion in safe Treasury securities to big investment firms, part of an ongoing effort to ease credit stresses.
The sick dollar may be getting a little healthier -- but it is far from making a full recovery.
Wall Street investment companies are borrowing from the Federal Reserve's emergency lending program at a fairly steady pace.
Treasury prices rose Thursday after government reports indicated the economy remains under pressure, lowering chances that the Federal Reserve will be able to raise interest rates in the near term.
The dollar was higher against the euro, but fell against the other major currencies late Thursday, tamped by weak American manufacturing and industrial output data.
Commercial banks and other financial institutions need to beef up their ability to detect and protect themselves against risks like the credit and mortgage debacles
The Federal Reserve has auctioned $7.2 billion in safe Treasury securities to big investment firms, part of an ongoing effort to ease credit stresses.
Long-term bond yields are edging close to 4%, a level they haven't touched since the end of last year. And some experts believe yields will only head higher in the coming months.
Industrial production fell in April, matching the largest decline since the one following Hurricane Katrina, according to a report released by the Federal Reserve on Thursday.
Treasury prices traded mixed Wednesday, after investors briefly rallied on a report showing mild April inflation but then gave up gains as stocks soared.
Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said Wednesday he believes the credit crisis may get worse and that regulatory failings helped fuel the problems rocking the economy.
There is a growing sense that the worst of the credit crunch may be behind us. And despite a tamer-than-expected reading for April, inflation is still very much a concern for many Americans.
Consumers had to shell out more for goods, services and especially food in April, according to a government report released Wednesday, but the rise was lower than expected.
Turmoil in financial markets has eased somewhat, but the situation is still "far from normal," Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Tuesday.
The dollar strengthened against most major currencies Tuesday despite gloomy U.S. economic data and record oil and gas prices.
Turmoil in financial markets has eased somewhat, but the situation is still "far from normal," Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Tuesday
Turmoil in financial markets has eased somewhat, but the situation is still "far from normal," Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Tuesday.
Stock futures were up Tuesday after rebounding from much lower levels from earlier in the morning. Investors began to cheer solid results from retail giant Wal-Mart Stores, an better-than-expected April retail report, and comments from Fed chief Ben Bernanke that the Fed's measures have boosted the economy somewhat.
Australia's government plans to spend $38 billion on modernizing national infrastructure so the country can better capitalize on a mining boom and the economic growth of China and India, its treasurer announced Tuesday.
Stocks surged Monday as investors shrugged off a spate of negative company news and opted to scoop up a variety of shares battered in last week's selloff.
The dollar weakened further against the euro Monday as markets waited for statements from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and economic data expected Tuesday.
With oil prices gushing above $126 a barrel, it's tempting to blame Europe for this inflationary mess.
Suddenly inflation is the word on everyone's lips. But as much as they might like to, policymakers cannot forget about a bigger problem - the lingering effects of the credit crunch.
The Federal Reserve has auctioned $28.77 billion in safe Treasury securities to big investment firms as part of an ongoing effort to ease credit problems.
Treasury prices fell Wednesday on new concerns about inflation and last-minute bets before a $21 billion sale of long-term government debt.
The Federal Reserve bears much of the responsibility for keeping the nation's economy on track but few Americans are fully convinced that the central bank can improve the country's financial situation.
Worker productivity rose by a better-than-expected amount in the first three months of the year while labor cost pressures eased.
The Federal Reserve reports that more banks are tightening lending standards on home mortgages, other types of consumer loans and business loans
Treasurys advanced Monday, with investors again seeking safety in response to a drop in stocks and a big jump in crude oil prices.
The dollar's recent rally ran into headwinds Monday as traders weighed the widening gap between the U.S. central bank's lending rates and other rates around the globe.
The Federal Reserve reports that more banks are tightening lending standards on home mortgages, other types of consumer loans and business loans in response to a spreading credit crisis.
The dollar was mixed Monday before the European Central Bank announces its decision on interest rates later in the week.
The worst-case scenarios just aren't playing out.
Stocks were mixed Friday, following an otherwise upbeat week on Wall Street, as rising oil and gold prices and Sun Microsystems' surprise quarterly loss countered any relief about the April employment report.
The Federal Reserve on Friday pushed ahead with a proposal to stop abuses by credit card issuers, a day after two other key bank regulatory agencies proposed effectively the same package of new rules.
Treasury prices tumbled Friday after the government's payroll report came in better than expected, raising speculation that the Federal Reserve will stop lowering interest rates.
As the fight for votes intensifies, a new poll finds that more Americans say they'll be swayed by the candidate who can fix the economy and tame inflation, especially at the gas pump.
The Federal Reserve announced Friday that it will expand a series of efforts to deal with the global credit crisis, in coordination with European central banks.
The dollar continued its gains against the euro Friday following signals from the U.S. Federal Reserve that its run of interest-rate cuts may be over for now.
Employers cut far fewer jobs in April than in recent months and the unemployment rate dropped to 5 percent, a better-than-expected showing
Big Wall Street investment companies are pulling back on their borrowing from the Federal Reserve's emergency lending program.
Stocks surged Thursday, starting off the new month with a bang, as investors hailed better-than-expected readings on manufacturing and consumer spending, one day after the Fed hinted the economic outlook seems to have stabilized.
Investors moved out of Treasury bonds on Thursday as a rally in stocks sent the Dow Jones industrials up more than 180 points.
Oil prices settled lower Thursday as the dollar strengthened against the euro despite a cut by the U.S. central bank in its key interest rate.
The dollar gained strength Thursday amid mixed economic data following the Federal Reserve's signal that it might be done with rate cutting for the near term.
Oil fell sharply Wednesday after the Federal Reserve said it would lower interest rates by 1/4 of a percentage point. Earlier in the day, prices eased following a report that showed supplies of crude increased more than expected last week.
While the Federal Reserve's aggressive drive to lower interest rates appears to be over, there could be benefits for consumers in other places -- like some relief from soaring gasoline and food costs
Japanese shares fell Thursday as investors sold banking stocks after the U.S. Federal Reserve cuts its key interest rate.
Oil prices hit an all-time high near US$120 a barrel Monday after a weekend refinery strike closed a pipeline system that delivers a third of Britain's North Sea oil to refineries in the U.K.
Stocks ended lower Wednesday, erasing earlier gains, as investors took a 'sell the news' reaction after the Federal Reserve cut a key short-term interest rate, as expected, and signaled it may not cut rates again anytime soon.
The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by a quarter percentage point Wednesday, but the central bank's statement signaled it may be the last rate cut for at least a while.
The dollar fell against a mixed bag of currencies and long-term treasury prices retreated from their highs Wednesday after the Federal Reserve announced it again is cutting interest rates.
(WASHINGTON) -- The Federal Reserve has cut a key interest rate by a quarter-point, a smaller move than the aggressive easing it undertook earlier this year.The Fed action, announced Wednesday after a two-day regular meeting, pushed the federal funds rate down to 2 percent, its lowest level since late 2004. It marked the seventh consecutive rate cut by the central bank since it began easing credit conditions last September to combat the growing threat of a recession brought on by a deep housing slump and credit crisis.The rate cut will mean lower borrowing costs throughout the economy as banks reduce their prime lending rate, the benchmark for millions of consumer and business loans.The Fed move was in line with expectations. Wall Street believes this could well wrap up the Fed's rate cuts unless the economy threatens to fall into a worse slump than currently expected.The Fed said it stood ready to "act as needed to promote sustainable economic growth and stability." That phrase was seen as a signal that
The market is eager to see Ben Bernanke heading for the sidelines. But with the U.S. economy softening, he may not stay there for long.
The Federal Reserve will decide today whether to continue cutting interest rates. Here's how it will (or won't) affect your wallet.
Stocks rallied Wednesday afternoon, with the Dow briefly crossing 13,000 after the Federal Reserve cut a key short-term interest rate by a quarter-percentage point, as expected, and signaled it may soon pause its rate-cutting campaign.
This statement was posted on the Federal Reserve Web site on April 30, 2008.
Battling risky economic crosscurrents, the Federal Reserve is ready to bump down a key interest rate again to brace the wobbly economy. That rate cut could turn out to be the last one for a while as zooming energy and food prices heighten inflation concerns.
The nation's economy continued its sluggish growth in the first quarter, according to a government report Wednesday that showed a slightly better-than-expected gain in economic activity.
Stocks futures turned positive Wednesday after the latest reading on the U.S. economy came in slightly better than expected, while investors awaited a rate decision from the Federal Reserve and digested a host of negative corporate earnings announcements.
The dollar fell slightly against the euro in early trading Wednesday as markets awaited a decision on interest rates by the U.S. Federal Reserve later in the day.
Stocks futures were range bound early Wednesday as investors awaited a rate decision from the Federal Reserve and more corporate earnings.
Japanese shares fell Wednesday as investors sold commodity stocks, although investors were cautious ahead of an announcement by the Federal Reserve on interest rates.
The dollar rose against most major currencies Tuesday as markets waited to see if the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank would continue its campaign to lower interest rates.
Treasury prices rose Tuesday as investors sought safety following a report of a sharp drop in home prices and a further slide in consumer confidence.
Stocks ended mixed Tuesday for the second day in a row, after declining most of the session, following a troubling report on consumer confidence and some trepidation about what the Federal Reserve will decide at the conclusion of its two-day meeting that began this morning.
Crude oil prices and the value of the dollar have been marching in different directions for months. But that may shift if the Federal Reserve signals on Wednesday that its rate-cutting campaign has come to a close.
The Federal Reserve is poised to deliver another interest rate cut to millions of people and businesses this week, although that could be the last break they get for a while
The soaring price of crude oil isn't good for most people, but it could spell opportunity for Ben Bernanke.
Oil prices hit an all-time high, near $120 a barrel, Monday after a weekend refinery strike closed a pipeline system that delivers a third of Britain's North Sea oil to refineries in the UK.
Stocks ended mixed Monday, giving up gains sparked by Mars' $23 billion buyout of Wrigley, as investors pulled back ahead of the start of the two-day Fed policy meeting and key readings on economic growth and the labor market.
Treasury prices rose in quiet trading Monday as investors waited for the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates later this week.
Oil and gasoline prices continue to soar Monday as worker strikes, political turmoil, and speculation of a rate cut by the Federal Reserve rocked a market that does not need much of an excuse to trade higher.
Stocks futures edged higher early Monday, lifted by a possible $22 billion deal for chewing gum giant Wrigleys, but investors were cautious ahead of this week's Federal Reserve meeting.
Battling risky economic crosscurrents, the Federal Reserve is ready to bump down a key interest rate again to brace the wobbly economy. That rate cut could turn out to be the last one for a while, as zooming energy and food prices heighten inflation concerns.
Treasury prices extended their decline Friday as investors bet that the Federal Reserve will indicate next week it plans to end its campaign of interest rate cuts.
Big Wall Street investment companies are pulling back on their borrowing from the Federal Reserve's emergency lending program, a sign that credit conditions may be improving a bit.
Treasury prices fell Thursday as investors, already anticipating an end to the Federal Reserve's rate-cutting campaign, found another reason to sell government bonds when a report showed a surprising drop in unemployment claims.
The dollar rose against its major rivals Wednesday, taking back some ground a day after the euro topped $1.60 for the first time.
Treasurys fell Wednesday amid fears the government's record $30 billion auction of 2-year debt will flood the market with new supply.
The Federal Reserve announced Wednesday it will auction an additional $75 billion in super-safe Treasury securities to big investment firms, part of an ongoing effort to help strained credit markets.
The dollar sunk to a record low Tuesday against the euro, which crossed $1.60 after a pair of European Central Bank governors said high inflation may cause the bank to raise interest rates. The U.S. currency also fell against the Japanese yen and the British pound.
Congress appears eager to help more than a million homeowners facing foreclosure, but a proposal aimed at fixing the battered housing market could instead end up as the latest blow to a recovery.
Battling to relieve stressed credit markets, the Federal Reserve has provided a total of $360 billion in short-term loans to squeezed banks since December to help them overcome credit problems.
The economy is in trouble and fear rules Wall Street. No wonder. Banks and other financial companies are posting huge losses. The Federal Reserve has had to engineer a rescue of investment bank Bear Stearns. Home prices are sinking.
Treasury prices declined Monday as investors speculated that the Federal Reserve would follow the Bank of England's lead in using means beyond cutting interest rates to ease tightness in the credit markets.
There's a moderately amusing McDonald's commercial where office workers bemoan the moribund state of the dollar until they realize how much they can buy with a buck on Mickey D's dollar menu.
The Federal Reserve has auctioned nearly $25 billion in super-safe Treasury securities to big investment firms, part of an ongoing effort to relieve credit strains.
Big Wall Street investment firms should be subject to greater regulatory oversight because any severe problems they might encounter can raise dangers to the entire financial system, the Federal Reserve's No. 2 official said Thursday.
The country's economic health deteriorated further in the early spring as shoppers buckled under the strains of the housing and credit debacles and a weaker employment climate.
The euro climbed to a new all-time record on Wednesday after the European Union reported that inflation in the euro zone rose to 3.6% in March.
Make no mistake, inflation is a big headache for Americans. Just ask our readers.
Consumers, hit by rising energy prices, paid slightly more for goods and services in March. But the overall inflation gain was in line with Wall Street expectations.
Inflation is the itch that the Federal Reserve just can't seem to scratch.
There is little debate about whether the U.S. economy is in a recession. The question is how painful and long the downturn will be.
CNN International's Financial Editor Todd Benjamin gives his own thoughts and impressions in this blog.
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the second time in about a week in January amid rumblings about a recession. While Wall Street may celebrate the lower rates, what will it mean for the average consumer? CNN personal finance editor Gerri Willis breaks it down.
Alan Greenspan was once known for his inscrutable pronouncements, but his penchant for self-justification is now plain for all to see.
Despite overwhelming signs that the economy is now in a recession, some investors are increasingly pondering another 'R' word: Recovery.
Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich warned Americans on Wednesday not to be overly optimistic that the U.S. economy might rebound by the end of summer.
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