Gary Siegel

Noting that his forecast for growth of 3.0% in 2011 missed dramatically, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Jeffrey M. Lacker said he sees a “growing sense that there are relatively persistent impediments holding back economic expansion,” especially the housing market.

Protecting the financial system has “costs,” but despite that, regulators should try to minimize costs, Federal Reserve Board Governor Elizabeth A. Duke said Friday.

The University of Michigan's preliminary January consumer sentiment index reading was 74.0, compared to the final December 69.9, the preliminary December 67.7, and the final November 64.1, according to market sources.

The Treasury Department today auctioned $13 billion of 29-year 10-month bonds with a 3 1/8% coupon at a 2.985% high yield, a price of 102.746849.

The Treasury Department said it will sell $15 billion 10-year inflation-indexed bonds on Thursday, Jan. 19.

The Treasury Department said Thursday it will auction $29 billion 91-day bills and $27 billion 182-day discount bills Tuesday.

The European Central Bank announced its Governing Council held interest rates at its latest monetary policy meeting Thursday.

Despite its promises, economic conditions may force the Fed to raise rates before the middle of next year, according to Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia president and chief executive officer Charles Plosser.

The Fed is not achieving either part of its dual mandate, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago president and chief executive officer Charles Evans said Wednesday.

The Treasury Department auctioned $21 billion of 9-year 10-month notes with a 2% coupon at a 1.900% high yield, a price of 100.890462.

Despite its promises, economic conditions may force the Fed to raise rates before the middle of next year, according to Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia President and Chief Executive Officer Charles I. Plosser.

The Fed is not achieving either portion of its dual mandate, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago President and Chief Executive Officer Charles L. Evans said Wednesday.

The “notably weak” economic recovery will continue, with “frustratingly slow” growth despite the Fed’s efforts because they lack complementary tax and spending policies, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco president John Williams said Tuesday.

While obstacles remain to recovery, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland president Sandra Pianalto said Tuesday that the United States is near price stability but remains far from the 6% unemployment rate she views as full employment.

Economic recovery has been slow and still faces threats, but the key to reaching a balanced and sustained recovery may be making “difficult, but necessary, adjustments,” according to Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City president and chief executive officer Esther George.

Economic recovery has been slow and still faces threats, yet the key to reaching a balanced and sustained recovery may be making “difficult, but necessary, adjustments,” according to Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President and Chief Executive Officer Esther L. George.

The Treasury Department Monday auctioned $32 billion of three-year notes with a 1/4% coupon at a 0.370% yield, a price of 99.642968.

The Treasury Department Tuesday auctioned $25 billion of 364-day bills at a 0.105% high yield, a price of 99.893833.

The Treasury Department Tuesday auctioned $30 billion of four-week bills at a 0.000% high yield, a price of 100.000000.

While obstacles remain to recovery, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President Sandra Pianalto said Tuesday the U.S. is near price stability, but remains far from the 6% unemployment rate she views as full employment.