Interest Rates

So, what's next? If, as it appears, the dysfunctional law-makers on Capitol Hill have pulled a last-minute deal out of the fire and prevented or at least postponed the debt default crisis, will anything change? Yes, says one expert – and probably not for the better, as other governments and...

US Interest rates have been rising. Investors have heard about this from the media over the last several months, but in reality, rates have been rising since mid-2012. Some would say it's because the US economy is getting stronger, but it's doubtful that’s the case, being that the Federal...

Rising bond yields? Two-year highs in mortgage rates? Stocks seemingly schizophrenic to any and all Fed speak? Forget it all, as Ben Bernanke said Wednesday that "the overall message is accommodation." What Was So Different? Honestly, nothing. The only real difference was that this time, it was...

While most Americans were eating hot dogs and celebrating the birth date of the United States, the Bank of England and the European Central Bank took unprecedented steps in launching forward guidance in their interest rate decisions. The move sent shares higher and the pound and the euro...

In response to the spin machine called the National Association of Realtors ('NAR'): As Chief Economist of the NAR, this is my mid year update. The housing market is making mild progress. However, the massive headwinds are still out there. Even with historically low mortgage rates the...

The People's Bank of China cut its benchmark lending and deposit rates. China lowered the 1-year yuan lending rate to 6.31% versus 6.66% and the one-year yuan deposit rate to 3.25% versus 3.50%.

This week, five central banks are set to report their interest rate decisions and Chairman Ben Bernanke is set to testify on his economic outlook. This a full calendar, and with traders, investors, and analysts alike clamoring for some form of added liquidity, it is interesting to see what moves...

Australian & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (OTC: ANZBY) lifted its standard variable interest rate. ANZ raised interest rate by 6 percentage points to 7.36%. ANZBY shares closed at $23.50 yesterday.

Krung Thai Bank PCL lowered its interest rate on savings accounts by 12.5 basis points. Krung Thai Bank also cut its several key lending rates by 12.5 basis points.

So we've told you how to save...now what?   1. Look to municipal bonds. High quality munis, at 2 1.2% tax free versus nothing in the bank. Bonus! Plus, if you buy municipal bonds in your home state, interest may be tax exempt not only on the federal level, but on your state’s income tax too....