federal open market committee

The recent stream of modestly positive economic news means the Fed probably won't take any further action to stimulate the economy at its upcoming meeting. But nobody is calling the economy healthy yet.

As Ben Bernanke prepares for the Fed's annual summer retreat, he faces a weakening economy -- and a growing chorus calling for action to boost asset prices. One thing is for sure: The world's most powerful central banker has no easy options.

Here's news from the business world and other money matters to watch out for Wednesday (last updated at 7:56 a.m. Eastern time): Wal-Mart Quietly Raises Prices: Consumers who think prices at their local Walmart have been on the rise lately may not be imagining things. A JPMorgan Chase (JPM) study...

Here's news from the business world and other money matters to watch out for Monday (last updated at 7:23 a.m. Eastern time): Hurd's Leadership Questioned: Many questions remain unanswered about Friday's sudden departure of Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) chief executive Mark Hurd. Hurd resigned after the...

When the Federal Reserve ends a two-day meeting today, most economists will be looking for hints about when interest rates may start to move higher. But the Fed may have a more serious problem: what to do about deflation when rates can't go any lower.

Anyone hoping the Fed chairman would tip his hand on when the central bank might start tightening again was disappointed. But he did have news, and that came in talking about the methods the Fed will likely use, including hiking rates paid to banks on reserves they keep at the Fed.

There's talk the Fed may shift its benchmark interest rate to the rate paid on bank reserves from the overnight rate it charges banks. The change could mean higher interest rates for many loans, and especially most credit cards for which rates vary as the prime rate goes up and down.

Federal Reserve officials who gathered last month agreed the economy appears solidly on its way to recovery and gaining momentum, minutes from the meeting reveal. But records show some members disagreed over the need for continuing and future stimulus.

The Fed now says the economy has "continued to pick up" and that "deterioration in the labor market is abating."

Two key sectors of the economy -- manufacturing and housing -- are helping to lead the nation out of its economic doldrums, continuing a pattern of improvement that emerged during the summer, according to the latest survey of economic activity compiled by the Federal Reserve and released...