Investors Might Reap Rewards of Dollar's Slide

(NEWSER) - US stocks dipped this morning, following steep declines in Europe and Asia as distress over the expanding credit crisis heightened. The Dow Jones sank over 100 points this morning, and the S&P was off nearly 0.8% after erasing its entire year's gains yesterday. "Everyone is waiting for the other shoe to drop,'' said an investment strategist. More»

World markets down as investors predict interest rate hikes

(NEWSER) - The dollar climbed to a three-month high today on rosier-than-expected Fed economic predictions while markets fell on expectations that central banks will soon begin to raise interest rates. The greenback gained against 15 of 16 of its most commonly traded currencies, while major European and Asian stock indices were down 1% or less. The Fed said yesterday the US economy is gathering steam and detailed plans to start winding down its extraordinary lending measure next year, AP reports. More»

US, EU, UK, others offer 50-point reduction to reverse diving markets

(NEWSER) - The Federal Reserve and five other central banks cut interest rates by 50 basis points in an emergency attempt to stem the economic effects of the credit crisis, reports Bloomberg. The move brings the American benchmark rate to just 1.5%, while the European Central Bank and the monetary authorities of the UK, Canada, Switzerland, and Sweden all joined in the action. China also cut rates by more than a quarter-point. More»

Fed should ignore critics, hold its ground until markets rebound

(NEWSER) - Critics claim the Federal Reserve has been too eager to cut interest rates, and that lax policy has exacerbated inflation. But the Fed should hold its ground, Desmond Lachman argues in the American, until the housing and credit markets are clearly on the rebound. The credit crunch has prompted banks to compensate with higher spreads and tighter lending standards, which should offset inflationary concerns. More»

Euro hits $1.60 as banks lead declines

(NEWSER) - World stocks hit their lowest level since 2006 today as credit-market losses and weakening consumer confidence sent shares falling, reports Bloomberg. The big banks, from UBS in Europe to Cathay in Asia, led declines. The MSCI World Index, Morgan Stanley's indicator of global finance, has now slid into bear market territory, having lost 21% of its value since October. More»