Fed Changes Wording On Rate Plans
By Barbara Hagenbaugh, USA Today -- January 29, 2004

Federal Reserve officials Wednesday left interest rates unchanged at 45-year lows but, in light of an improving economy, took a baby step to prepare investors for an eventual rate increase. read the full article

Weiss Comments

Fed Fires First Shot Across the Market's Bow

Yesterday, the Federal Reserve Board's Federal Open Market Committee removed its "considerable period of time" stance for keeping interest rates at 46-year lows. more

Durable Goods Orders Flat in December
By Jeannine Aversa, Associated Press -- January 28, 2004

Orders for big-ticket goods were flat in December after taking a dive in November, highlighting the struggles America's manufacturers are encountering as they try to get on firm footing. read the full article

Weiss Comments

Markets Tumble Despite No Change In Interest Rates

Federal Reserve policy makers didn't change the U.S. benchmark rate today. (It remains at 1%.) But they did drop their commitment to hold interest rates low "for a considerable period" ... Daily Commentary Archive