Rate hikes

We don’t yet know if the Fed's rate hikes have fully shown up in the economy. That could take many months.

Despite global and domestic inflation, Japan's central bank held interest rates near zero. But it's just hinted that this policy will change.

Some signs are already flashing red. Job creation and consumer spending, though, are still chugging along.

The rates on some types of loans have already been coming down.

The Federal Reserve pumped up its benchmark interest rate Wednesday by three-quarters of a point for a fourth straight time but hinted that it could soon reduce the size of its rate hikes.

Los Angeles mortgage broker Vivian Gueler says high rates, high home prices and a weak stock market are stopping people from buying homes.

Reports from banks like JPMorgan and consumer companies like PepsiCo can reveal spending trends and signal what businesses see coming.

There's less demand for workers in retail and many service sectors.

Materials and labor costs are up. Building costs will climb further if interest rates on construction loans rise.

Fresh consumer price index data pretty much guarantees a big interest rate hike when the Federal Reserve meets next week.