Gary Siegel

The economic news Friday was mostly positive, with consumers spending on clothes, cars and eating out, while manufacturing continues to suffer.

Although short-term volatility is certain, experts consider whether the long-term outlook would change depending on the winners.

The federal funds rate target should remain at the zero lower bound until inflation reaches 2% and remains headed higher, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago President Charles Evans said Monday.

Payrolls were added and the unemployment rate fell, but some observers saw negatives in the September employment report.

While the Fed has written off negative interest rates as a last resort, without stimulus, consideration may be nearer.

A “fragile” economy and his expectations for a “more gradual” than forecast recovery mean “fiscal- and monetary-policy stimulus are essential,” Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Eric Rosengren said Wednesday.

Consumers’ view of the economy was less pessimistic in August, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Survey of Consumer Expectations.

The dot plot will be the star of the meeting, but the coronavirus and the elections will be part of the discussion, economists say.

Recent inflation data suggests an expected pickup in inflation, but economists see a different picture.

While the worst of the predictions failed to materialize — unemployment never hit the levels expected and most numbers started improving after a month or two — a second wave of the virus could take another bite out of the economy.

Many observers expect the Fed to move to yield curve control in September. But not everyone is sure this move will be needed.

When the pandemic ends, the Fed must remove accommodation, unlike after the Great Recession.

Steve Skancke, chief economic advisor at Keel Point, discusses negative interest rates and what parts of the market would suffer most from their implementation. Gary Siegel hosts.

Gary Zimmerman, CEO of MaxMyInterest, discusses the recent Federal Open Market Committee meeting, the challenges of responding to the coronavirus pandemic and the issues it caused, and why interest rates may have to stay low for longer than many expect. Gary Siegel hosts.

The Federal Open Market Committee meeting that began Tuesday will be unique because rates remain at the zero lower bound and the Fed has taken many actions to ensure smooth markets since the economic shutdown to contain the coronavirus.

Uncertainty remains the only constant regarding the coronavirus pandemic, and two Federal Reserve Bank presidents offered positive thoughts, although no definitive answers.

Although there’s still no way to tell how long the COVID-19 shutdown will last, or how much economic damage will result, the Federal Reserve’s speedy descent to the zero lower bound will assist the recovery, according to a report.

Municipal market participants are confused, to say the least, about the Federal Reserve and its ability to buy long-term municipal securities. And there’s a good reason for the puzzlement.

While some economists expect a V-shaped recovery, others say it will not be as sharp as the decline, and it could be years before output rises to pre-coronavirus levels.

Coronavirus-driven job losses are way beyond predicted, and expected to get worse, but most still see a V-shaped recovery.