Stories Tagged as
Interest rates
What's a floating-rate note and how does it work?
by
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.
Marketplace
The question of adequate financial regulations
Jul 10, 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
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
Jul 3, 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
by
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.
Karen Bleier/AFP/Getty Images
The snowball way toward eliminating debt
Jun 14, 2012
I have been paying down my debt using the snowball method. I'm making great headway and have cut my debt load in half in 3 years. I'm at a point where I need to choose between a home-equity loan with a variable rate (currently at 4.24 percent but eligible for tax deductions) and a car loan at 3.5 percent fixed. Which makes more sense to pay down? Scott, Chatham, MI
The Federal Reserve and interest rates
Jun 8, 2012
There is an implication by those in the media that the Fed is essentially out of tools when it comes to lowering interest rates. Can the Federal Reserve lower the Fed Funds rate below zero? If so, what would be the implications for borrowers, savers and the macroeconomy? Richard, Marietta, GA
For public good, not for profit.
Americans concerned over Fed's low interest rates
Jun 7, 2012
Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke may announce a new plan for interest rates today on Capitol Hill. Six in 10 Americans want the Federal Reserve to consider the negative impact of low interest rates on retirees and savings.
Options narrow for Federal Reserve action
Jun 7, 2012
Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke is on Capitol Hill today and he's under pressure to do more to stimulate the economy in the United States.
Bernanke: Fed will act if there is risk
by
David Gura
Jun 7, 2012
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke was on Capital Hill today, he didn't rule out action, but did not suggest any immediate policy changes.