To the Point
Will the Fed Raise Interest Rates?
Record-low interest rates have helped lift the economy out of the Great Recession, but now there's worry about inflation. Would a rate-increase threaten employment? This week, Janet Yellin and the Federal Reserve are pondering a crucial decision.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenRecord-low interest rates have helped lift the economy out of the Great Recession, but now there's worry about inflation. Would a rate-increase threaten employment? This week, Janet Yellin and the Federal Reserve are pondering a crucial decision.
Also, is a beer merger brewing? On today's Talking Point, there are 800 US military bases located on foreign soil. The Pentagon and Congress claim they make America safer. Are they really worth what they cost?
Photo: Janet Yellen holds a press conference after a meeting of the Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee, January 1, 2015. (Day Donaldson)
In this episode
3 storiesIs a Beer Merger Brewing?
The two largest beer companies in the world are talking about joining forces to fend off competition. Acquisition of SAB Miller by Anheuser-Busch would be the biggest merger in the history of the brewing industry. Bloomberg reporter Ruth David is covering the story from London, where SAB Miller is based.
Read the story7 minThe Federal Reserve, the Economy and You
Wall Street, the banks, business and organized labor are all waiting to see if Janet Yellen and the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates tomorrow. They're only talking about a quarter of one percent — but that's a lot when rates are close to zero, as they've been for the past nine years.
Read the story31 minShould the US Rethink the Huge Cost of Its Military Bases?
The US maintains some 800 military bases on foreign soil. Are they worth what they cost?
Read the story12 min
