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European Central Bank cuts interest rate to record low
Stephen Beard May 2, 2013
The European Central Bank (ECB) has cut interest rates to a record low of 0.5 percent. But how much stimulus can the ECB really provide?
Does President Obama's budget help or hurt soon-to-double student loan interest rates?
Sally Herships Apr 10, 2013
In July, interest rates on some federal student loans are set to jump from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent -- and students are scrambling to stop the change.
Another Fed meeting... Why bother?
Nancy Marshall-Genzer Jan 30, 2013
With interest rates locked near zero until 6.5 percent unemployment, what's the point of meeting until then?
Housing market to gradually move up in 2013
Chris Farrell Jan 3, 2013
Marketplace Economics Correspondent Chris Farrell says there is one bright economic spot to look forward to in the coming year: the housing market.
Savers among hardest hit by low interest rates
Mitchell Hartman Sep 14, 2012
People who save may bear a disproportionate share of the burden in our insatiable appetite for low interest rates.
What's a floating-rate note and how does it work?
Paddy Hirsch Aug 6, 2012
The Treasury Department is planning to roll out a floating-rate note program in about a year. But what is a floating-rate note and why do we need one? Sr. Producer Paddy Hirsch explains with a boat analogy.
The question of adequate financial regulations
Juli Niemann Jul 11, 2012
News this morning that Bob Diamond, the former head of Barclay's bank has given up $30 million in bonuses after resigning over that interest rate rigging scandal. And the scandal has brought up the issue -- yet again -- of whether current regulations on the financial industry are adequate.
China and EU stimulus may lift U.S. economy
Jeremy Hobson Jul 5, 2012
Today central banks in Europe and China announced new monetary stimulus measures to spur economic growth. How will the global stimulus measures impact the U.S. economy and unemployment?
LIBOR For Mortals: An Easy Explainer
Heidi N. Moore Jul 8, 2012
An investigation into LIBOR -- a crucial interest-rate benchmark -- has resulted in a fine for Barclays and the resignation of its chairman, Marcus Agius. But what does it all mean for the average American? Easy Street is here to help.
Explaining the Fed's 'Operation Twist' with diamonds
Paddy Hirsch Jun 26, 2012
The Federal Reserve's most recent policy move is simply a way of driving down interest rates. But how does it work? Sr. Producer Paddy Hirsch explains Operation Twist with a simple analogy.
