Interest rates

The survey consensus was for no increase to slight increase in interest rates for 2012. Nothing dramatic. Very muted. There's no sense that the economy will turn gangbusters. At best, the economy will show modest gains in 2012.

What more can the Federal Reserve do to help boost the American economy?

The Federal Reserve's policy of low interest rates allows the government to borrow money at little cost. But analysts predict it's just a matter of time before interest rates shoot back up.

How does Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke know the economy will need low interest rates through 2014? He doesn’t, but we listen anyway.

Retirees see less return on savings; some businesses invest in tech, not workers.

Tomorrow the Federal Reserve Bank will let all 17 members of its committee publicly reveal they think will happen to interest rates in the coming months and years. Will this be good news for nervous markets?

Slightly stronger pre-loved home sales made 2011 a better year for realtors, but a “shadow inventory” still lurks.

Despite record-low mortgage rates, Americans are yet to wade back into home-ownership.

That's instead of the usual 'for the foreseeable future' thing they usually do. The Fed is striving to be more open in its communication.

Low interest rates and low inflation will help play into policy decisions, such as the future of the Federal Reserve.