The Fed chairman told lawmakers Wednesday that a host of indicators show the economic recovery began in the second half of last year, but joblessness will grind on for some time. He also warned about government budget deficits that will require "difficult choices."

Continue reading Bernanke Sees a Moderate Rebound but Slack Job Growth

Bernanke Sees a Moderate Rebound but Slack Job Growth originally appeared on DailyFinance on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 12:00:00.

Filed Under: Economy

While many investors had feared that government intrusion following the financial meltdown and ensuing recession would inevitably cause more turmoil, the official actions seem to have played a major role in stabilizing the economy.

Continue reading As the Economy Brightens, Government Officials Deserve More Credit

As the Economy Brightens, Government Officials Deserve More Credit originally appeared on DailyFinance on Sat, 03 Apr 2010 09:00:00.

Filed Under: Economy, Investing

In addition to San Francisco Fed President Janet Yellen, the White House also said its other likely candidates for the open seats on the Fed board were MIT's Peter A. Diamond, an expert on Social Security, and Maryland financial regulator Sarah Bloom Raskin.

Continue reading More Names Emerge for the Fed's Board of Governor Openings

More Names Emerge for the Fed's Board of Governor Openings originally appeared on DailyFinance on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:20:00.

Filed Under: People

Janet Yellen, the president of the San Francisco Fed, is expected to be nominated as the new vice chairman of the Federal Reserve as early as today. Yellen, a strong supporter of Chairman Ben Bernanke's monetary policies, would replace Donald Kohn, who will retire in June.

Continue reading A Woman to Step In as Vice Chairman at Fed?

A Woman to Step In as Vice Chairman at Fed? originally appeared on DailyFinance on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:00:00.

Filed Under: People

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has pledged to keep interest rates near zero to stimulate the economy, but is this policy doing more harm than good? The policy may be systematically distorting the market, as it encourages investors to pursue riskier investments.

Continue reading Why the Fed's Zero Interest Rate Policy May Be Dangerous

Why the Fed's Zero Interest Rate Policy May Be Dangerous originally appeared on DailyFinance on Sat, 06 Mar 2010 09:00:00.

Filed Under: Economy

As today's bad news on jobs and the eurozone wipe out yesterday's good news from Chairman Ben, investors are wise to avoid trying to "trade the tape." And sure, a fed funds rate hike is coming (eventually), so now's the time to ensure your plan anticipates such longer-term changes.

Continue reading What Investors Need to Remember in Volatile Markets

What Investors Need to Remember in Volatile Markets originally appeared on DailyFinance on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:05:00.

Filed Under: Economy, Investing

Prior to the Federal Open Market Committee meeting in January, there was speculation about whether the Fed's monetary-policy arm would announce a shift in the benchmark rate away from the overnight rate it charges banks, to the interest paid on bank reserves. Economists at Bank of America (BAC) joined the speculation that the Fed may start pointing to the rate paid on reserves as its primary monetary-policy tool. While this might seem like inside-baseball for most Americans, the change could result in higher interest rates for your business or consumers loans and especially most credit cards that are now variable and reset based on the ups and downs of the prime rate.

Continue reading Why Major Change in Fed's Interest Rate Policy Would Be Worrisome

Why Major Change in Fed's Interest Rate Policy Would Be Worrisome originally appeared on DailyFinance on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 08:00:00.

Filed Under: Economy, People, Investing, Bank of America

Typical Americans might be wondering: Why should I care whether Ben Bernanke is reappointed as chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board?

All this discussion about whether or not the Senate will confirm Bernanke for a second term can seem very removed from your everyday life. Supporting yourself (and perhaps a family) is hard enough, never mind whether you should support President Obama's choice of the bearded economist for another term running a board of other economists doing who knows exactly what.

Continue reading Should You Care About Bernanke's Reappointment?

Should You Care About Bernanke's Reappointment? originally appeared on DailyFinance on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 07:00:00.

Filed Under: Economy, People, Investing

It's a case of dueling surveys. Two polls released last week and one issued Monday set out to probe how investors view President Barack Obama's economic policies. But they provide contradictory readings.

One released by Bloomberg News says 77% of its subscribers -- mostly high-income individuals in the financial services sector -- think President Obama is against business and can't manage a financial crisis. A USA Today/Gallup poll was also downbeat, finding that 34% of Americans believe it will be four or more years before the economic recovery starts. But not everyone in the Gallup survey, which reached similar findings in July, is ready to stick their heads in the oven.

Continue reading Investor Sentiment Surveys About Obama Can't All Be Right

Investor Sentiment Surveys About Obama Can't All Be Right originally appeared on DailyFinance on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 18:00:00.

Filed Under: Economy, Investing, JP Morgan Chase

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke faced mounting Senate opposition for another four-year term Friday, and the White House worked aggressively to keep his nomination afloat. President Barack Obama's chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner were on the phone throughout the day to key senators to shore up support, said two senior administration officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to more freely discuss behind the scenes activity.

Continue reading White House Fights for Bernanke Support in Senate

White House Fights for Bernanke Support in Senate originally appeared on DailyFinance on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:09:00.

Filed Under: Economy