Economic News

CHICAGO (Dow Jones) -- Those who anticipate getting a mortgage or refinancing one anytime soon listen up: Fixed mortgage rates aren't expected to spike dramatically in the next few years, according to a forecast released Tuesday. Fixed-rate mortgages should remain at about 6.3% to 6.4% through the rest of the year, according to the most recent Mortgage Bankers Association forecast. Rates are ex ...

SHANGHAI (XFN-ASIA) - China's gross domestic product is expected to rise by 10.3 pct in the fourth quarter and by 10.6 pct in 2006, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said in a research report published on the official China Securities Journal. Economic growth is expected to ease in 2007 with GDP seen expanding by less than 10 pct, the NDRC said. The consumer price index is ex ...

SYDNEY (XFN-ASIA) - The US dollar was relatively steady against the yen and euro here, with the possibility of a small amount of profit taking in the greenback ahead of tonight's Federal Open Market Committee meeting, dealers said. At 9.37 am here (2337 GMT), the dollar was at 119.38 yen, slightly up from 119.36 yen in late trading in New York overnight. The euro was at 1.2557 usd, slipping from  ...

NEW YORK (Dow Jones) -- The dollar traded little changed against major currencies Tuesday, as traders cautiously await an interest-rate announcement by the Federal Reserve Wednesday. The Federal Open Market Committee started its two-day policy meeting and will announce its interest-rate decision at 2:15 p.m. Eastern. This would be the third straight Federal Open Market Committee meeting with no ...

BEIJING (XFN-ASIA) - China's gross domestic product is expected to rise by 10.3 pct in the fourth quarter and by 10.6 pct for the whole of 2006, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said in a research report published on the official China Securities Journal. Economic growth is expected to ease in 2007 with GDP seen expanding by less than 10 pct, the NDRC said. The consumer pric ...

Policymakers are expected to keep US interest rates on hold on Wednesday but their assessment of inflationary risks to the economy will be closely watched. Should the Federal Reserve freeze rates at 5.25%, as most experts anticipate, it would be the third month in a row they have decided not to take action. Consumer prices fell sharply last month but excluding volatile energy movements, prices remain fairly strong. Experts remain divided over the long-term direction of rates. Election factor ...