The Fed knows what it's doing by teasing rate hikes

For the past several months, the chorus of voices crying out over the prospect of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike have all been saying essentially the same thing – either they can't do it, or they simply won't do it. This is the 

Federal Reserve puts rate rise on hold – as it happened. America's central bank announces it will not raise borrowing costs for the first time since the financial crisis began. Latest: Janet Yellen's press conference underway 

Whenever it comes, a rate hike will have implications for millions of Americans. It's important if you have a credit card or savings account, invest in a 401(k) or in the markets, or want to buy a home or car. The Fed slashed interest rates to zero in

Federal Reserve puts rate rise on hold – as it happened. America's central bank announces it will not raise borrowing costs for the first time since the financial crisis began. Latest: Janet Yellen's press conference underway 

Interest rates on mortgages inched higher this week, just a day before the Federal Reserve's policy-setting committee decides whether the federal funds rate will increase for the first time in nearly a decade.