By Ken Martin Published December 17, 2018 Economic Indicators FOXBusiness Facebook Twitter Comments Print video Trade uncertainty is weighing on economy: Charles Schwab’s Liz Ann Sonders Charles Schwab chief investment strategist Liz Ann Sonders on the recent market volatility, the U.S.-China trade war and why there may be another recession looming. The Federal Reserve will hold its final policy meeting of 2018 this week. The meeting begins Tuesday and ends with an interest rate decision on Wednesday afternoon, followed by a press conference with Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Continue Reading Below This week is predicted to be the busiest mailing, shipping and delivery week, when nearly 3 billion pieces of First-Class Mail, including greeting cards, will be processed and delivered. Monday afternoon, earnings results will be released by Oracle and Red Hat. Investors will also examine the latest data on manufacturing in the New York area … [Read more...] about Interest rates and a potential government shutdown headline the week ahead
Interest rates
Federal Reserve expected to raise US interest rates this week as all eyes on predictions for 2019
The US Federal Reserve is this week widely expected to raise interest rates for the fourth time this year, with an anticipated range of between 2.25 and 2.50 per cent. But doubts have begun to emerge about Wednesday’s announcement among analysts, after comments from Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell that the level of interest rates is “just below neutral”. Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets, said the comments meant the raise “is less of the done deal that it was two to three weeks ago”. The announcement will also contain projections for how much further the Federal Reserve will raise rates next year, “a key area of scrutiny” according to Hewson. All eyes will be on whether policymakers have lowered these expectations, which currently forecast three further rises in 2019 and one in 2020. Meanwhile, the Bank of England make similar rate decisions on Thursday. But with uncertainty over Brexit negotiations now looking set to … [Read more...] about Federal Reserve expected to raise US interest rates this week as all eyes on predictions for 2019
Small banks brace for deposit wars as interest rates rise
By Rachel Louise Ensign The Wall Street Journal Allison Prang Sun., Dec. 16, 2018 Rising interest rates were supposed to help banks. They are hurting many of them instead. Three years after the Federal Reserve began raising rates from near zero, bank customers are starting to demand more interest on their deposits, particularly at small and regional U.S. banks. Many of these same banks ramped up lending after the financial crisis by adding long-term, low-rate loans. Now, as they pay out more to depositors, the rates they are earning on loans are barely moving. Pinched banks can be found across the country. They include 34-branch Banc of California Inc., where interest costs rose 68% over the last year as it paid up to attract depositors; Southern National Bancorp of Virginia Inc., which is now paying 2.25% interest on certain checking accounts while national lenders continue to pay effectively 0%; and New York Community Bancorp Inc., whose deposit costs are rising … [Read more...] about Small banks brace for deposit wars as interest rates rise
The Week in Business: Apple Expands in Austin, and the Fed Gears Up on Interest Rates
Sections SEARCH Skip to content Skip to site index Business Subscribe Log In Subscribe Log In Today’s Paper Business | The Week in Business: Apple Expands in Austin, and the Fed Gears Up on Interest Rates Supported by with interest ByCharlotte Cowles Dec. 16, 2018 Want this column in your inbox? Sign up here. Hi there! Here you are, rushing around with too many plans, not enough holiday shopping done and perhaps a mild headache from last night’s mulled wine. The least we can give you is a quick rundown of what’s going on in the business world. If you like what you’re reading and haven’t already subscribed, click here — and then forward to a friend if you’re feeling generous. Speaking of the holiday season, are you one of the 45.7 million Americans planning to fly in the next two weeks? If so, keep an ear out: Customs officials at Kennedy Airport have intercepted almost 200 … [Read more...] about The Week in Business: Apple Expands in Austin, and the Fed Gears Up on Interest Rates
Rise in benchmark interest rate to drag down growth: Economist
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Bank Indonesia raising its benchmark interest rate, which is expected to continue to be aggressive, is predicted to drag down economic growth to 4.9 percent much below the government target of 5-5.4 percent in 2019 and 5.1 percent in 2018. However, the increase in the benchmark interest rate is a necessity to cushion the impact of the global financial turbulence, that could trigger capital flight, economist Adrian Panggabean said in a recent discussion. In addition the increase in the benchmark interest rate could help cover the hole of the current account deficit, Adrian said. "Volatility in the financial market as a result of insufficient liquidity would continue through 2019," said the chief economist of PT. Bank CIMB Niaga Tbk. The growth prediction of 4.9 percent is lower than Bank Indonesia`s prognosis of more than 5.1 percent in 2019. Adrian saw that the market players could understand that the aggressive steps taken by Bank Indonesia in … [Read more...] about Rise in benchmark interest rate to drag down growth: Economist