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federal reserve

May Mortgage Outlook: Rates Stable but Braced for Shocks

May Mortgage Outlook: Rates Stable but Braced for Shocks

Mortgage rates are likely to remain relatively stable in May. There's no doubt that we'll have daily ups-and-downs, but a major dive is unlikely to happen. (My apologies to anyone hoping 5% rates would be back on the table anytime soon.) On the plus

US Fed official says rate hikes may be needed if inflation surges

US Fed official says rate hikes may be needed if inflation surges

A key US Federal Reserve official warned Friday that a series of interest rate hikes could be needed if price shocks from the Middle East war are larger than expected, fuelling inflation. "Federal funds rate increases, potentially a series of them, could be warranted, even at the risk of

Oil slumps after hitting peak, US indices reach new records

Oil slumps after hitting peak, US indices reach new records

Oil prices struck a four-year high Thursday on worries about a resumption of hostilities in the Middle East, before slumping to end the day. But key US indices hit new records while European stock markets rose on positive earnings reports from some tech firms. On Wall Street, the S&

Powell's decision to stay on at Fed ignites new Trump insult

Powell's decision to stay on at Fed ignites new Trump insult

The extraordinary clash at the Federal Reserve between Jerome Powell and Donald Trump entered new territory Wednesday when the outgoing US central bank chairman said he would remain on as a governor -- and the president lashed him with another insult. Powell said that while his term at the head of

Mortgage Rates Steady as Fed Holds, Despite Global Tensions

Mortgage Rates Steady as Fed Holds, Despite Global Tensions

The Federal Reserve’s decision Wednesday to keep its benchmark interest rate steady is unlikely to budge mortgage rates for a couple of reasons. For starters, the Fed’s latest decision was about as surprising as your picky eater ordering chicken tenders off the kids’ menu. Mortgage markets saw it

Oil spikes while divided Federal Reserve keeps interest rates unchanged

Oil spikes while divided Federal Reserve keeps interest rates unchanged

Oil prices shot higher Wednesday on concerns of an extended blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, while Wall Street stocks moved indecisively after a divided Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged. Brent oil futures got within striking distance of $120 a barrel before retreating a bit as markets girded for

Rates hold steady ahead of Fed chair transition

(The Center Square) – The Federal Reserve wrapped up what could be its last meeting under current Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday with a decision to hold rates steady, in line with market predictions. This marks the third consecutive meeting where the board has maintained a target interest rate of 3.