Interest Rates
Interest rates are a fee that lenders charge borrowers for lending money. For example, homeowners are charged an interest rate on the mortgage they take from a bank.
Interest rates fluctuate based on a number of key factors, of which two of the most important are inflation and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve determines the interest rate charged between financial institutions via the federal funds rate, which is the key interest rate charged by commercial banks to other banks borrowing money, typically overnight.
By controlling interest rates, the Federal Reserve can control inflation in times of economic growth. The Federal Reserve can also modify interest rates to inject stimulus during an economic slowdown, as it did during three rounds of quantitative easing starting in late 2008.
By increasing interest rates during a period of economic growth, the Federal Reserve discourages borrowing. When interest rates are high, businesses and individuals generally take more time to consider the high cost to borrow before borrowing and spending.
By contrast, when the economy is underperforming, lowering the interest rate makes it cheaper for businesses and consumers to borrow. As a result, in theory, they spend more and stimulate economic growth.
By changing interest rates, central banks essentially change the demand for money. When the Federal Reserve pegs interest rates lower, the monetary policy is expanding—meaning money is cheaper. When interest rates are raised, it makes money more expensive and slows the rate at which the prices for goods and services increase.
Donald Trump Victory Could Spark Huge Sell Off in Bond Prices
Long-term U.S. Treasury bond prices plunged Wednesday morning, as investors bet on a Donald Trump administration could spark inflation. Long-term bond prices soared on news the New York business tycoon would win the Presidency, as investors stampeded into safe-haven assets. .
Fed’s Brainard Calls for “Prudence” in Raising Interest Rates
Stocks Up More than 1% on Brainard’s Speech After a disappointing Friday, the U.S. stock market enjoyed a nice rally on Monday. Why? That’s because one of the officials from the U.S. Federal Reserve just said something that could be.
Can the U.S. Stock Market Handle Another Interest Rate Hike?
Fed Officials Calling for a Rate Hike Interest rates are going to be a focal point for the remaining of 2016. The U.S. Federal Reserve seems to be ready to raise interest rates again, but the stock market doesn’t seem.
Fed’s George: It’s Time to Gradually Raise Interest Rates
“It Is Time to Move That Rate” The U.S. Federal Reserve is holding its annual Economic Symposium at Jackson Hole, Wyoming this week, and one voting member on the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) just said that it’s time to.
U.S. Dollar Declines as Investors Await Fed Chairwoman Speech
U.S. Dollar Remains Weak Since Fed Minutes Release The U.S. dollar fell broadly against the major currencies as traders wait for clearer signals of where interest rates are headed from Federal Reserve officials later this week. The Wall Street Journal.
Greenspan Sees Rates Rising Soon and at Faster Pace
Former Fed Chief Sees “Stagflation” Threat If you’re confused about the future direction of U.S. interest rates, it’s probably better to pay attention to the former chairman of the Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan. He predicts that U.S. interest rates will.
Fed’s Fischer: “No Plans” for Negative Interest Rates
Economy Close to Meeting Fed’s Target The central banks in Europe and Japan have adopted negative interest rate policies. Will the U.S. Federal Reserve do the same? According to the Fed’s second-highest-ranking official, the answer is “no.” During a speech.
U.S. Treasury Selling $175.0 Billion of New Debt
T-Bills Sale Schedule Announced From August 22–26, the U.S. Treasury Department will auction off $175.0 billion worth of government bonds. Although the notes will be of varying maturities, they will all be available in minimum denominations of $100.00. Roughly $122.0.
Federal Reserve President John Williams Calls for Rate Hike
Rate Hikes “Preferably Sooner Rather than Later” With economic data indicating strength in the U.S. economy, rate hikes are back on the table. This time, it’s the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank President John Williams who is calling for interest.
Former Fed Chairman Greenspan Sees Interest Rates Going Higher
Greenspan Hawkish on Interest Rates Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan gave an interview recently in which he predicted that higher interest rates were just around the corner. He gave a wide-ranging interview regarding monetary policy, including forecasts on central.
