Jul 15 Bernanke: Economy Faces ‘Numerous Difficulties’ By Admin, PBS News Hour Amid a flurry of government-backed steps to fortify the U.S. economy, Fed chief Ben Bernanke told lawmakers Tuesday the economy continues to face "numerous difficulties" including turbulent financial markets, rising unemployment and housing troubles. Continue reading
Jul 14 Watch Treasury, Fed Propose Safety Net for Mortgage Giants Congress must soon decide on a U.S. Treasury-Federal Reserve measure to save mortgage giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae from further crisis. An economics editor and House Financial Committee members weigh the options. Continue watching
Jul 11 Watch Worries of a Bailout of Mortgage Giants Hit Markets Hard The market value of mortgage giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae slumped again Friday, but rebounded after officials downplayed the likelihood of government action. A reporter and analysts discuss the developments. Continue watching
Jul 08 Watch Fed Ready to Strengthen Regulations Tied to Lending Practices Federal Reserve Chief Ben Bernanke outlined new rules Monday that are intended to protect homebuyers from risky lending practices blamed for a nationwide housing crisis. Wall Street Journal editor David Wessel examines the move. Continue watching
Jul 08 Bernanke to Propose Stricter Mortgage Regulation By PBS News Hour Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke outlined a new set of mortgage-lending rules Tuesday, which will be aimed at shielding future homebuyers from risky lending practices and avoiding a repeat of the country's current mortgage crisis. Continue reading
May 08 Watch Legislative Bid to Buoy Slumping U.S. Housing Sector Meets Debate Amid a continuing U.S. economic downturn, Capitol Hill lawmakers have been debating how to effectively provide relief for the housing crisis. Two members of Congress discuss their positions on the housing bill and how to best revive a slumping housing… Continue watching
Apr 30 Federal Reserve Trims Key Interest Rate By Admin, PBS News Hour In a smaller move than in past months, the Federal Reserve cut a key interest rate by a quarter percentage point Wednesday in what could be the last in a line of reductions aimed at boosting an economy hit hard… Continue reading
Apr 04 U.S. Economy Lost 80,000 Jobs in March By Admin, PBS News Hour U.S. employers cut 80,000 jobs in March, the most in five years and the third straight month of losses, according to new Labor Department figures released Friday. Continue reading
Apr 03 Watch Bernanke Says Bear Stearns Rescue Was ‘Necessary’ Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke defended the agency's rescue of Bear Stearns in a Senate hearing Thursday, saying the move was necessary to prevent further impact on the general economy. Financial experts weigh the Fed's response to recent economic turmoil. Continue watching
Apr 03 Bernanke Defends Fed’s Role in Bear Stearns Deal By Admin, PBS News Hour Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke defended Thursday his agency's decision to assist the ailing investment firm Bear Stearns, calling it a move to prevent a corporate collapse that could have reverberated through the U.S. economy. Continue reading