Banking, finance, and taxes

FOMC Minutes Posted With Mixed Outlook

The biggest thing to watch for in the FOMC Minutes is the effect of exceptionally low rates and other quantitative easing measures.  The minutes show that the group does not expect agency securities sale staking place before early 2015.  The view on how long these near-zero rates were far from being quite as clear as the “end of 2014” that was communicated.  Some see 2% in shorter rates as more appropriate by then.  The most see downside risks to GDP forecasts and upside risks to unemployment forecasts.  Another huge risk is the spillover effect risks coming from Europe.  If you just look at the tally of ‘majority’ versus others that are ‘some’ you may wonder how much you really like a more communicative Federal Reserve.

The FULL FOMC MINUTES from the January 24 to 25 meeting are here.

 

Credit Card Companies Are Doing Something Nuts

Credit card companies are at war. The biggest issuers are handing out free rewards and benefits to win the best customers.

It’s possible to find cards paying unlimited 1.5%, 2%, and even more today. That’s free money for qualified borrowers, and the type of thing that would be crazy to pass up. Those rewards can add up to thousands of dollars every year in free money, and include other benefits as well.

We’ve assembled some of the best credit cards for users today.  Don’t miss these offers because they won’t be this good forever.

 

Flywheel Publishing has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Flywheel Publishing and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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