Many small banks have been hesitant to offer instant payments, even though they’ve been available for years. But the central bank’s FedNow service could cause more banks to give instant payments a try.

Economists expected a downturn in economic growth from the first quarter’s 2% annual rate. Instead, growth accelerated to 2.4%.

National data, local indicators and informal measures of the economy all play a role.

The move lifted the Fed’s benchmark short-term rate from roughly 5.1% to 5.3% — its highest level in 22 years.

The European Central Bank, the Bank of Japan and others will also weigh rate hikes. The world will be watching for hints of policy changes.

A concept popularized by Milton Friedman in the 1960s still influences how the Fed talks about monetary policy today.

The Federal Reserve’s payment system will allow participating banks to transfer money within seconds.

Annie Lang Hartman, owner of stationery and gift store Wild Lettie, is hoping for a steadier flow of shoppers through the busy season.

As the prominence of regional Federal Reserve Bank Presidents has increased over the years, so has the allure of their speeches.

That would be a good sign for the Federal Reserve as it tries to get inflation under control.