Topic: Bankrate Inc.

All Content

How Greek economic woes could help US consumers

Fears that Greece may default on its debt are spurring interest in US Treasury bonds, driving down interest rates on mortgages and auto loans – but not (alas) for credit card debt.
Tired of paltry returns on bank savings? Here's help.

Interest rates on bank savings are so low that many retirees are looking for higher returns. If you're one of them, consider bonds and dividend-paying stocks.
The New Economy
Fixed mortgage rates hit new lows. Does anyone care?

Fixed mortgage rates for 30-year loan now average 4.18 percent. But record low fixed mortgage rates are not perking up the housing market or causing a surge of refinancing.  
Mortgage rates at record lows. Home buyers yawn.

Mortgage rates fall to new low for the year, but loan volume for home buyers and refinancers also drops. Historically low mortgage rates are not enough to boost demand, says Mortgage Bankers Association.
Black Friday boom: Perfect start to promising holiday shopping season?

A record 226 million shoppers visited stores and websites over Black Friday weekend, up from 212 million last year. But the mood remains one of caution and strategic buying for the rest of the holiday season.
The New Economy
30-year mortgages fall below 4 percent. Time to refinance?

Although 30-year mortgages are at historic lows, some economists say rates on 30-year mortgages could fall further. So should you wait before refinancing?
The New Economy
Fixed mortgage rates: How low will they go?

Fixed mortgage rates could go down another half percentage point. But if refinancing can save serious money now, homeowners should grab lower fixed mortgage rates now.
Lower interest rates: So what?

Lower interest rates for mortgages, other loans could help consumers. But Fed's move to lower interest rates hurts savers and may not buoy stocks.
Homeowners cheer Fed's 'Operation Twist.' Wall Street, not so much.

The Federal Reserve announced Wednesday that it will drive down long-term interest rates through a strategy called 'Operation Twist.' The move has already pushed mortgage rates to historic lows, but Wall Street appears to have doubts about the plan's broader economic impact.
Netflix (NFLX) faces customer backlash, weak economy

Netflix has angered many of its customers with its new plan to split its service into two while raising prices. Netflix stock (NFLX) has lost a quarter of its value in the past week.
Unemployment, Inc.: Six reasons why America can't create jobs

UPDATE: No net growth in new jobs in August kept the US unemployment rate at 9.1 percent. Six reasons the country is struggling to put people to work – and why it may not last.
Debt-limit brink: Can ordinary investors run for cover? Should they?

As the clock ticks down on the debt-limit deadline, financial advisers say the worst thing ordinary investors can do is panic and sell. The assumption is still that some kind of deal will get done.
The Simple Dollar
401(k): Are you saving enough? Run the numbers.

401(k) math is easy with a retirement calculator. Question on 401(k) is No. 7 in the reader mailbag.
Checking account fees tested by Bank of America

Checking account fees will come in tiers that customers can choose from in a three-state pilot program.
The New Economy
Closing costs: Does your state have ultra-low mortgage fees?

Closing costs and origination fees cost New Yorkers $5,600. But mortgage applicants in these five states spend at least 40 percent less.
The New Economy
Mortgage rates: Top 5 cities to catch the wave of low rates

Mortgage rates are at or near record lows nationally. But which major cities offer the best deals on mortgage rates?
The New Economy
Mortgage rates fall to record lows. Time to buy?

Mortgage rates are the lowest they've been in more than 50 years. But mortgage rates are only part of the equation.
Mortgage rates drop to lowest point in 50 years

Mortgage rates haven't been this low since the 1950's, when home loans lasted from 20 to 25 years.
The New Economy
Low mortgage rates: Time to refinance home at record low rates

Low mortgage rates have reached a new record: 4.69 percent. It's a great time to refinance homes.
Low mortgage rates not seen since 1971 have yet to spur home sales

Low mortgage rates, at levels not seen for over thirty years, are not prompting a rush to buy homes across the US.
The New Economy
Silver lining in the Dow's drop: record low mortgage rates

The Dow average is down 438 points over two days as investors move from stocks to Treasuries. That's pushing mortgage rates to 50-year lows.
Debit card fees: Senate votes for limits, seeking to aid consumers

Retailers are the ones paying debit card fees, but the idea is that if the costs were lowered, retailers might then pass some of the savings along to consumers.
The Simple Dollar
Reader mailbag: Losing my job in August. What do I do now?

When you're about to lose your job, figure out where you want to go.
The Daily Reckoning
$1 trillion mortgage bomb still ticking away

The Fed must eventually raise interest rates. That could come when adjustable-rate-mortgages reset.
Even with new credit card laws 2010, Americans are cutting back on credit

New laws are shielding American credit-card users – as long as they can get credit.