Bernanke Says Fed's 'Stress Tests' Show Much Healthier Banks
The Federal Reserve's annual "stress tests" of U.S. banks show an industry that has grown much healthier since the financial crisis, Chairman Ben Bernanke said Monday night.
ben bernanke
Employers Added 88,000 Jobs in March, Far Fewer Than Expected
American employers hired at the slowest pace in nine months in March, a sign that Washington's austerity drive could be stealing momentum from the economy.
16 Big Bubbles That Are Getting Ready to Pop
With stocks markets soaring, many wonder if equities will be the next bubble to burst. But stocks aren't the only assets that look frothy: These are showing danger signs too.
Federal Reserve Maintains Stance on Record-Low Interest Rates
The Federal Reserve said it plans to keep its benchmark rate near zero as long as unemployment exceeds 6.5 percent -- a level expected into 2015.
Fed Seen Maintaining Stance on Record Low Interest Rates
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday is expected to maintain its resolve to keep borrowing costs at record lows despite growing signs that the economy is strengthening.
Stock Market Gains, Economic Recovery Boost U.S. Dollar
Investors are showing more interest in the dollar, which is benefiting from the stock market's surge to new highs and an improving U.S. economy.
Families Dip Into Savings as Incomes Fall, Energy Costs Rise
In January, U.S. incomes dropped, but spending rose as consumers dug into savings to help cover rising utility costs and the increased price of gasoline.
Initial Jobless Claims Fall by 22,000, Suggesting Improved Labor Market
The number of Americans filing jobless claims fell more than expected last week, suggesting some traction in the labor market recovery. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 22,000 to a seasonally adjusted 344,000, the Labor Department said on Thursday.
Bernanke Defends Fed's Low-Interest-Rate Policies
Facing criticism from Republican lawmakers, Chairman Ben Bernanke stood behind the Federal Reserve's low-interest-rate policies Wednesday and sought to reassure Congress that the central bank has a handle on the risks. Bond purchases are needed to help boost a still-weak economy, Bernanke said.
Bernanke Signals Continued Fed Support for Low Interest Rates
The Federal Reserve's low interest-rate policies are giving key support to an economy still burdened by high unemployment, Chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress on Tuesday. Bernanke signaled that the Fed's efforts to keep borrowing costs low -- buying treasuries and mortgage bonds -- will continue.
Stock Futures Rise as Fed Chairman Bernanke Heads to The Hill
Futures are rising as Chairman Ben Bernanke heads to Capitol Hill to explain what the Federal Reserve will do to accelerate the economic recovery only days before a series of mandatory budget cuts kick in.
If Fed Ends Quantitative Easing Now, It'll Hurt More Than Housing
Just as we hear that previously occupied home sales hit their second-highest level in three years, we also hear that the Federal Reserve is having second thoughts on its latest round of quantitative easing, also known as QE3.
Some Fed Officials Worried Bond Purchases May Fuel Inflation
Several Federal Reserve policymakers warned last month that the Fed's plan to keep buying $85 billion in bonds each month until the job market is healthy could eventually escalate inflation, unsettle financial markets or cost the Fed money when it sells its investments.
More States Join Lawsuit Challenging CFPB and Dodd-Frank
Eight more states have joined a lawsuit aimed at challenging the constitutionality of parts of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, including the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Fed Governor Signals Strong New Stance on Economic Bubbles
In the past, the Fed believed it had no business trying to deflate asset bubbles -- even though when they pop, they can wipe an economy out almost overnight. But a speech made by recently appointed Federal Reserve Governor Jeremy Stein suggests that policy may be about to change.