Tag "Yellen"
Reign of the Fed threatened by politics
The FORM Act of 2015 seeks to rein in the Federal Reserve with audits, oversight, and policy rules. Whether or not it passes, American political trends are pointing to increased
Will low oil prices affect the US Fed’s decisions?
Falling oil prices are the newest wrench in the Fed’s decision making, but the effect might seem counter-intuitive. Since the Fed’s last meeting in October, oil prices have fallen 25%. With
What to look for in the bond market in 2015
Investors are nervous about the state of the US bond market in the face of recent yield drop-offs. Here are some expectations for the bond market in 2015. The day after midterm
5 ways inflation is defining the 2014 economy
Inflation, or lack thereof, is an important global economic indicator. Whether it is Sweden or Brazil, central bankers or policymakers, here’s a look at why inflation is so influential. 1. Europe, Japan,
How much slack does the U.S. labor market really have?
U.S. labor market slack, the unused part of economic production capacity, is an important economic indicator used by the Federal Reserve to determine forward guidance. The question is how much
Yellen’s first statements chart clear path for Federal Reserve
The new Fed Chairwoman made clear to Congress that her Fed will focus on improving the labor market and being straightforward in its messaging. In her first major appearance since becoming
Are loans causing U.S. financial markets to overheat again?
Low interest rates in the U.S. enabled the 2013 bull market but have also created the conditions for another credit bubble. Covenant-lite loans, the latest financial innovation, could spell trouble.