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Fed Shaves Half- Point Off Discount Rate

Surprise cut boosts futures trading and Euro markets

By M. Morris,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 17, 2007 8:14 AM CDT

(Newser) – In a surprise move, the Fed cut its discount rate, which it charges on direct loans to banks, from 6.25% to 5.75% this morning. The central bank acted to calm fears about uncertainty in the global markets surrounding the worsening credit crunch and underlying subprime-loan crisis. The federal funds rate, which banks charge each other, was unchanged at 5.25%.

US futures and the European exchanges climbed on the news, which came after the Fed's moving billions of dollars into the banking system didn't quell worries over liquidity. "Financial market conditions have deteriorated and tighter credit conditions and increased uncertainty have the potential to restrain economic growth going forward," the Fed said in a statement.

Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, July 19, 2007, as he delivers his semi-annual monetary report to the Senate Banking Committee.  (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)
Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, July 19, 2007, as he delivers his semi-annual monetary report to the Senate Banking Committee. (AP Photo/Dennis...   (Associated Press)
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn. left, greets Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, July 19, 2007, prior to Bernanke delivering  his semi-annual monetary report  to the committee. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn. left, greets Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, July 19, 2007, prior to Bernanke delivering...   (Associated Press)
tem and possibly hurt the U.S. economy. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook, file)
tem and possibly hurt the U.S. economy. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook, file)   (Associated Press)
The screens at the post of specialist Richard Wey are reflected in his glasses as he works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Friday, Aug. 10, 2007. Wall Street skidded further Friday as investors again succumbed to anxiety over tight credit conditions even after the Federal Reserve...
The screens at the post of specialist Richard Wey are reflected in his glasses as he works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Friday, Aug. 10, 2007. Wall Street skidded further Friday as investors...   (Associated Press)
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