Finance, Forex and Investments - Interest Rates Knowledge Base

Interest Rates Knowledge Base

interest rates? I'm getting a mortgage, and want fixed interest rate, but im not sure what term to go for. We originally said 3 years, but what are the chances of interest rates being lower than what they are now in three years time? Would we be better with a longer term?

Interest rates? Im in the processes of buying a new vehicle ( i had to order it and it hasn't arrived yet ) and im wondering what the interest rates are going to be on a $14,500 loan? My credit is really good, my credit score is like 761.

Interest Rates? Does the movement of interest rates (both increasing and decreasing) affect a firms profitability and how. any elaborate and fully explained answers will be greatly appreciated.

What is the interest rate for high credit scores and the differences in rates? If one is prime rate. Credit score above 780. Are the final interest rates they quote you lower than what is advertise on their website? I am considering using a mortgage broker however their rates seem higher than the bank + the cost seems higher. If the rate is what they advertise, I might just go to the bank directly first and save my time. The mortgage broker seems to be on top of things and most likely have better info on closing etc. which is their only selling point but if the interest rate is higher than the competitor I am reluctant to go with it since they will hit my credit score if I apply. Simply put money is money a little .25% can equal 60K over the life of the loan. Something that could sit in investment generating returns for me. In general what is the difference in the interest rate for prime/ A credit scores? Are the advertised rates using prime rates or just average rates? Thanks in advance

What effect does interest rates and currency exchange rates have on a country's economy? I need to know this for a group project. We're meant to be analysing a country's macroeconomic performance and I've been tasked to write about the country's interest rates and currency exchange rates. I've searched about for hours but all I seem to find is news and statistics (they decided to keep interest rates at 1%, the value of the currency has risen etc. etc.) and I don't know what they mean and how they could be applied to the economy in the big picture. Could someone please help me understand?

What is the relationship between interest rates and demand for money? A) As interest rates decrease, demand for money increases. B) As interest rates increase, demand for money increases. C) Interest rates are determined by demand for money. D) Interest rates and demand for money are unrelated. --- I am so confused. Is money supply the same thing as demand? In that case it would be B. But then again what if has nothing to do with it, then it would be D?

How are interest rates and unemployment related in macroeconomics? I understand interest rates are set by central banks who monitor inflation, unemployment, and other stuff but I don't see how lowering interest rates could reduce unemployment.

Why have interest rates in the US fluctuated far more greatly than UK interest rates? Yet, both our economy’s are in real trouble. Why is this, despite the fact that interest rates in the UK have remained fairly constant compared to US interest rates? Apart from the latest 1.5% rate cut of course, but that was only last Thursday.

What are some relationships between different interest rates? Are there any well known relationships between different interest rates? For example: The 20-year T-Bond rate is usually 2% above 3-month T-Bills. Stuff like that. Is there a website that would have things like that? It doesn't have to be just treasury security rates, it can be inflation rates, Federal Reserve interest rates, whatever. Thanks

Are interest rates adjusted by the central bank the same as that of commercial banks? When central banks (like the Fed) adjust interest rates, are these the same rates used by Commercial Banks? Do Commercial Banks give the same interest rates as the Central Bank?

How does falling interest rates of one currency affect other currencies? For instance, if EURO interest rates are reduced, how does it affect EUR/USD exchange rates. Common sense dictates that the EUR/USD would decrease in value as people flock to currencies with higher returns. But this is not only always the case. It may be not the actual reduction in rates, but the commentary (optimism/pessimism for the future) that goes along with it. Comments?

Why are interest rates being set to bail out financially irresponsible homeowners at the expense of savers? With prudent savers having their savings eroded by inflation, should the Bank of England increase the interest rate back to 5% at the next MPC meeting? Or will they opt to keep rates at 0.5% (or a small 0.25% rise), thus abrogating their responsibility of keeping inflation below 2%?

How come under a MONETARY Expansion Interest rates go down and under a FISCAL Expansion interest rates go up? How come under a MONETARY Expansion Interest rates go down and under a FISCAL Expansion interest rates go up? I understand that when there is a Monetary expansion the money supply goes up thats why interest rates go down... but during a fiscal expansion the money supply goes up also.. so why do interest rates go up under a fiscal expansion?

What are some good interest rates for automobile financing these days? And some bad interests rates? Does anyone know what interest rates should be offered for good, fair and poor credit, when financing a vehicle?

What are some typical relationships between different interest rates? Are there any well known relationships between different interest rates? For example: The 20-year T-Bond rate is usually 2% above 3-month T-Bills. Stuff like that. Is there a website that would have things like that? It doesn't have to be just treasury security rates, it can be inflation rates, Federal Reserve interest rates, whatever. Thanks Are there some ratios between rates that indicate things about an economy?

Will interest rates on mortgages start to go up? With interest rates at an all time low, do you think they will start to go up or down. And please expalin why.

When do you think interest rates and inflation will start going up? This is an opinion question of course, but when do you think interest rates and inflation will start going up? I'm sure we are already in an inflationary phase, but will interest rate increase follow?

What are federal reserve interest rates and how do they affect the economy? I know what the federal reserve is and I know what interest rates are. Now what is a federal reserve interest rate and what the heck does it mean to me?

When interest rates start increasing due to the deficits, will they still say deficits do not matter? With the US continuing to pile on trillions of dollars in debt, the risk of default increases for creditors. They will start demanding higher rates to offset the risk. Interest will become the largest item in the budget. They must either default or inflate the currency to worthlessness (hyperinflation).

What are mortgage interest rates likely to do in the next day or two? Today is Wed. 10/8, and my lender just called to tell me rates went up today. We are in escrow and been waiting to lock in because of the bailout plan. My lender said that Bernake (however you spell it) was supposed to lower interest rates but hasn't done so yet. Any ideas on whether they will go back down, or should I lock in today?

What do you consider low-interest rates on a credit card? I'm a college student and I've never had a credit card of my own and I would like to get one not to go crazy with it or anything, but to start building my credit. I don't want to get the first credit card they offer me but I want to get one that has the lowest interest rates. What are considered low/high interest rates? Student credit cards? Any tips or a website that can tell me to easily avoid debt although I plan to have it only as an emergency card?

How does a decrease in interest rates cause an increase in inflation? "Lowering interest rates stimulates growth to avoid recession; however, that will eventually cause inflation. Raising interest rates will slow inflationary growth, but may lead to a recession." In simple terms, how does this work?

Interest rates going up can be good or bad. What are some of the good and bad reasons? If the interest rates go up then it takes longer to pay off a loan. If you have a savings account, you can earn more interest. Any others that we should know about?

How does the Fed technically raise interest rates? I am cognizant of how the Fed lowers interest rates. The Fed prints more money, due to liquidity of capital in the system treasury bond yields are lower and the bonds cost more thus ideally leading to inflation if need be. But hypothetically if the economy is facing hyperinflation how does the Fed go about increasing interest rates, so that money is worth more lowering the prices of goods, commodities, etc. Does it just increase the reserve Federal Reserve rate for banks thus there is less capital in the system or is there another method. I am positive I know and comprehend the methodology but am having slight trouble putting it together cognitively.

If inflation is growing and interest rates are decreasing, what will happen to bond prices? This seems to be the current situation; usually interest rates go up with inflation (which would make bond prices go down), but now we have substantial inflation, and interest rates are heading south. Help! Are bonds safe?

How can you find out what the interest rates are in market? Is there a website to check Interest Rates? How can you check out the interest rates in Markets? How can you check out the interest rates in each countries?

Why do people who filed bankrupt get better interest rates? My friend filed for bankruptcy a year ago and she already bought a brand new car with a great 2% interest rate and she also got a Discover credit card with a good interest rate. I don't understand. I've never filed for bankruptcy and my credit is good, but my interest rate on my vehicle is 4% and my credit cards have a higher interest rate as well. I don't' think its fair how someone who has filed bankrupt gets better interest rates! WHY and HOW?

What will happen to interest rates if the bailout passes through congress? I'm buying a house and I close on October 31. It's a FHA loan and right now my rate is 6.375%. Should I lock in beforehand or should I wait for the bailout package to pass? What will happen to interest rates?

Is there a connection between the interest rates banks set and the Bank of England's interest rate? Is there a connection between the interest rates banks set and the Bank of England's interest rate? Does the Bank of England control the retail bank's interest rates? Or do the banks set them independently of the Bank of England?

How do interest rates affect different economic sectors? It's not made clear as to what sort of economic sectors the question refers to. I know this much at least: -Increasing interest rates Higher mortgage costs Lower CPI Prevents inflation Slows the economy (decreasing GDP) Higher risk of recession -Decreasing interest rates Lower mortgage costs Higher CPI Steers economy towards inflation Speeds up the economy (increasing GDP) Lower risk of recession what i don't know is how this affects 2 different sectors of the economy. Are different sectors affected differently at all?

What would happen if interest rates went up? During the 1970's interest rates on basically everything including savings and CD were well into double digits. What caused this? In order for interest rates to be that high again where would the market in general be headed? I understand how the economy and interest rates generally work but 10,12 percent seems crazy. How bad would inflation be?

How do savings bonds interest rates work? Are they fixed interest rates in that when you buy it, it keeps increasing for 30 years at that rate? Or are they ever changing, depending on the economy. Therefore, do you get the most if you cash out when the economy is good or bad, or should you just wait until the end of the 30 year period?

What bank is offering the highest interest rates on savings accounts right now? What bank is offering the highest interest rates on savings accounts right now? Also, is this a good time to start a savings account or would it be better to wait a couple years? Are interest rates predicted to rise sharply in the next couple years?

How can I predict the future interest rates of long-term corporate bonds? For a project of mine, I'm supposed to predict the future interest rates for a company's corporate bonds. What are the important factors that I need to take into account to realistically predict these future interest rates? If you can be detailed, please be. I'm quite lost on this. Thank you.

What happens with interest rate lock with home lender when rates fall? I have a 30 day interest rate lock with my lender on a home in which I'm in escrow. What happens if rates drop 1/8 of a pt or more? Do I have any option to get the better rate besides switching lenders? Thx Hey dusty_ti... What the ??? Why do you waste everybody's time with such a lame, irrelevant response. If you don't have anything constructive to say, then bug off!

How does the Canadian dollar affect interest rates? Now that the Canadian dollar is at parity with the US dollar, I've been hearing in the news that the Bank of Canada will be hiking interest rates. What is the reason behind this? How exactly does the dollar affect the interest rate? Thanks!

What is expected to happen to short-term interest rates and long-term interest rates during the next year? What is expected to happen to short-term interest rates and long-term interest rates during the next year? Why would it change, stay the same or rise?

How high did interest rates go in Japan after they were downgraded? Oops interest rates actually dropped on the #2 economy. Gee we are already in year 5 of limping along . High debt doesn't seem to be helping us.

What is the average area for interest rates? I'm helping a friend get ready or a Personal Finance test and one thing I've noticed is a huge disparity between the interest rates depending on the sources. Some will say something as high as 5% for a CD and others say it doesn't get much above 1.8% at best. This of course is a huge difference. Which would be more accurate? Also, if anyone could site a few sources comparing different types of investment interest rates it'd be much appreciated.

What are the interest rates now for a home loan? Hey, Im looking at buying my first house now.. Whats the interest rates for a home loan these days after that 1% interest rate cut from the rba the other day which the banks said they would pass on.. if they do.

What is the relationship between interest rates and long term bonds? Is it when 10 or 30 year bonds go up, interest rates typically go down or do rates go up and down with long term bonds?

How can the overnight call rates be so low compared to the market interest rate? When the RBI has a repo rate of 6% and a reverse repo rate of 7.5%, one would expect the overnight call rate among the banks to be somewhere between 6% and 7.5%. I believe the current very low levels of the call rate is because of the RBI using the repo window to suck liquidity only to a limited extent of Rs 3000 crore / day. What i dont understand is how the call rates can be as low as 1% (the 1% is for interest charged per annum right?). Isnt this cheap money for the banks then? Why not borrow cheap and park them in treasury bonds or liquid mutual funds? How can the overnight call rate be far off from the market interest rate irrespective of the repo and reverse repo rates and the amount of money the RBI actually does borrow from the commercial banks?

How do lenders come up with the interest rates for mortgages? I want to know how banks set the interest rates for mortgages. All I know is that they move up and down with the fed funds rate and discount rate (Correct me if I am wrong). Does anyone know all factors that play into the rates that lenders come with? Is there a way to calculate or give more or less weight to any one of them? Thank you.

What is the purpose of raising interest rates? How does raising interest rates every so often keep the economy going? I don't get it. By raising rates and increasing peoples mortage repayments helps keep the economy moving? I see it the other way around. Raise my mortgage rates by 200.00 every month actually stops people from having extra money to purchase good & servises thus slowing down the economy. Am I missing something here?

Why does an interest in buying bonds cause interest rates to fall? I read in the New York Times today that more people are buying bonds than before, and this is causing interest rates to fall. Why does an interest in buying bonds drive down interest rates?

What are the highest interest rates for savings and fixed deposit? What are the highest interest rates for savings and fixed deposit and in which bank? Which country? Can foreigner open accounts in these banks?

How do interest rates affect small businesses vs. large businesses in the short run? In the long run? I am interested in finding out how the movement of interest rates affects small and large businesses.

How long will it take the latest 3/4% interest rate cut to affect the mortgage and loan companies rates? With the Fed's decision to cut interest rates, I understand that banks will follow suit and lower interest rates. How fast will it take for these changes to go into place? At what point should people begin to investigate refinancing their mortgages and other loans where it will actually reflect the new rates?

What good does lowering interest rates do if the banks are only lending money to people with spotless credit? Interest rates have been ridiculously low for years now. What makes the Fed think lowering them a little more is going to jump start the economy ?

How do interest rates affect the value of the dollar? What does it mean when for the economy when interest rates are raised, lowered, or kept at the same rate?

How will the tax rebates and reducing the interest rates help? How will tax rebates work when the US will borrow the money from China at 11% interest and give it to Americans to purchase products built in China?How will reducing interest rates help the people who have been doing the right thing by saving their money?Reducing interest rates just helps out the banks who tried to rip off these people with loans they couldn't afford in the first place.I can't say I have the answers to the economy buy I feel these fixes will do nothing but make it worse.

How does the drop in interest rates affect my son's student loans? My son is a college freshman. He has a FDSL loan of $3500 and a student loan from a bank/Great Lakes Educ for over $2500. Will his loan interest accumulation fluctuate with the changing interest rates? Are the drops in the interest rates which we are hearing about on the news of any benefit to college students?

How would fixed mortgage interest rates affect the UK if brought in? Here in the Uk.....we have flucuating mortgage interest rates. However in the US interest rates tend to be fixed for the entire life of the loan. Any ideas of how the US system would afffect the UK if brought in?

How an increase in the price level changes interest rates? Explain to me how an increase in the price level changes interest rates. How does this change in interest rates lead to changes in investment and net exports? Okay, dumbbutthole. You didn't answer my question for shit. I already have my answer formed, I want a full answer to my question, not garbage such as what you have written here today.

How do interest rates affect the return on different assets? First of all, when economists speak of "interest rates", what exactly do they mean? What kinds of loans are they for and for what period of time? Also, depending on whether rates are increasing or decreasing, what does this mean for the return on different classes of assets, such as equities, bonds, t-bills, etc.? How can you use interest rates to your advantage overall, say you expect them to increase by 1% quite soon? Thanks a lot !!

How to find out interest rates around the world? Is there an easy way to find out the interest rates in many different countries such as their central bank's rates, typical mortgage rates, etc?

How was it possible for interest rates to stay low globally for such a long period? We had a long period of low interest rates with low inflation. Inflation was quite stable over this period, with the exception of housing inflation (which is not included in the CPI data). Im referring to the period between 1995-2007

(Australian context) How do interest rates affect inflation in this day and age? I really don't get this. At the moment, most inflation is directly or indirectly related to the price of fuel. Many people do not have mortgages and have enough money to support themselves without using credit. How can the reserve bank continue to assume that interest rates will control inflation when, rate rise after rate rise, price inflation seems to continue?

What interest rates can i expect On car finance with bad credit history? i just bought a chevy aveo ,new, and i got 13 percent interest rates.I put $4000 down.Would anyone know if this is bad credit interest or average credit interest.I know that in california if you get six to seven percent interest this is good credit. hopefully someone that works in financing can answer this,as the car dealer will not tell me if i was found to have my credit good or bad.

How does increase in interest rates lead to an increase in exchange rates? Can someone explain it to me plainly? ALSO, I'm wondering if it works vice versa - does lowering interest rates lower the exchange rate?

What are interest rates in a savings account? I have a savings account but im confused on what interest rates are like is it the money your bank puts into your account or what? I want to have that where the bank puts money into your savings account idk what it's called though.

Why the big fuss on interest rates does not help for refinance? I understand, but don't see the point about the federal reserve lowering interest rates and making a big deal over it, when the 30 or 15 year interest rate on mortgages are still not going down. Mine is at 6.25 for 30 years but would like to have a 4.75 for 15 years. The cost is not worth it for much less change than that. What do you think? I know it doesn't make a difference on mortgage but then why is the news acting like its going to save home owners?

How do you get interest rates on credit cards lowered? From the books that I have read and advice I have seen on tv, they always tell you to call your credit card compaines and ask them to reduce the rates. We have a few store credit cards and I called and asked and all of them said no. Is there a certain place to call? I know that I can do a balance transfer but I don't want to get into that trap. I don't want to consolidate them and get into it any deeper. Any thoughts. We don't use our cards we have cut them all up but the interest rates are killing us on the balances we owe. Compaines don't bother to send me offers! My credit score is 742 which is on the higher range. That is why I want to get this taken care of to keep it that way.

How would you go about lowering interest rates on Credit Cards? I have 4 Credit Cards, and untill recently never really looked at the interest I was paying on them. I can I get these % rates lowered? Is there anything I should know when trying to get them to lower them? Is there any reason they won't lower them?

What offshore accounts have the best interest rates on deposits? My husband and I are looking for where we can get the best interest rates on our offshore accounts.

How is it possible with all this government borrowing that market interest rates haven't risen? I am very curious at how it is possible for interest rates to remain low, while our government borrows money at an unprecedented rate? As there is a limited supply of money out there, shouldn't interest rates have skyrocketed by now?

Interest Rates? What effect does lowering the interest rates have on the economy? Effect of highering?

How to make a home offer, but not be locked in on interest rates before federal reserve meeting? I (among many others) anticipate an interest rate cut at the next Federal Reserve meeting in two weeks. I'm interested in a house and want to make an offer, but I'm hesitant to do so because I don't want to be locked in before a rate cut for obvious reasons. Could I put a statement in the Real Estate contract addendum such as "Seller will accept pre-approved buyer's offer, but will not require financial arrangements until September 20,2007."? How long after a rate cut will it take for lenders to lower their rates? Advice?

How come mortgage interest rates are not dropping in par with the 10 year bond? 10 year treasuries have dropped over 130 basis points yet interest rates on mortgages have only dropped about a third of that?

What will mortgage interest rates be at in ten years? I am purchasing a home, owner financed for 10 years, with a balloon payment. I will then need to get a federally backed loan (bank loan). What do you think interest rates will be in 10 years? I will have paid down the house so shouldn't need 10% or 20% down.

Would you rather have lower taxes or lower interest rates? What things do you have in credit? Like if you have loans, credit cards, morgages, car loan payments, business loan payments, etc. Things in credit, more than likely, the more you owe in credit, the better lower interest rates are for you. If you owe nothing in credit and interest really has no effect on you. All you would care about is lower taxes. Because less taxes would be taked out of your pay check and you'd get more money. Not sure what effect this has on tax returns but that's another story. Right? What would happen if people with different ammounts of credit or no credit, would each have different interest rates and tax rates? What would that do? Would that make it unfair to anyone? Let me know your opinion.

Are low short term interest rates really about lending or are they about spending and investing? When interest rates on bank accounts are beneath the rate of inflation the value of your savings depreciates over time. That is; you'll lose money by saving it. Proponents argue low interest rates encourage lending and home buying. But is that the real reason, or is it an attempt to make all money active in the economy by either being spent or invested?

Is it possible to have high interest rates and high inflation rates also? I understand the basics, lower interest rates=higher inflation, higher interest rates=lower inflation. But is it possible to have high inflation, and high interest rates? Thanks for the answers.

Would the recent increase of interest rates in Australia affects the currency rates to foreign country? I recently heard about the news of Australian interest rates rise starting from August, and I'm concerned if this would affects the Australian currency rates to other countries? I need to find out would it be wiser for me to exchange more Australian Dollars with MYR (Malaysian Ringgit) before the new interest rates begins as I'm a International Students (currently studying in Australia) from Malaysia.

What happens to interest rates when it increases and decreases? hi, i would like to know what happens to interest rates when they increase and decrease, and what effect is this likely to have? thanks xx

How high are interest rates on a car loan on bad credit? I just want to get a general idea from people who have or who have known someone else who have gotten a car loan on bad credit and how high the interest rate is. Let's say the applicant has a well-paying job but only for the past few months (say, 90k/yr). Looking at a new car 20-30k, on a 5 year payments plan. Down payment is 10%-20%. What interest rates would you expect for mid-500's credit score? For 500? For high 400's? Even lower? (is that possible?) So car loan companies look at a lot more than just the credit score, right? As in, a 550 credit score (due to no credit history) is much better than a 550 score that's due to collections and late payments.

For the economists - Why would you raise interest rates when economy is doing bad? We know that by raising interest rates, you make the cost of borrowed money more expensive. Business thrive on borrowed money, and doesn't it follow that, if you raised interest rates, this will make it harder for business to expand?

Why did the Fed decide to change interest rates? What specific economic events caused this change? Why did the Fed decide to change interest rates? What specific economic events caused this change? I am writing a paper and one of the questions calls for specific events that would explain why the Fed decided to lower interest rates recently. I need some good examples. Links would be appreciated... Thank you!

Why would interest rates go up with with the Dollar value going up? I need to find out why interest rates would go up with the dollar value going up. Is it because people will spend more and that causes inflation and banks need to reduce that so they raise interest ? I'm a little confused!

How can increase in Interest rates of banks contain Inflation? Hi folks. I know that increase in food and crude oil prices is fuelling Inflation .But How can increase in Interest rates of banks contain Inflation? what is the relation in this? please expalin thank you bharath Hi folks ..I did not get the answer. I asked how can increase in lending interest rates by banks contain inflation?

What do you think interest rates will do over the next 12 - 18 months? Time for your best guess people. What do you think interest rates will do over the nex year to year and a half? Will it go down over the next few periods? If so, how much, and for how long? Will it go up afterwards? If so, how much, duration, estimated max between now and 2009?

Why are used car interest rates typically higher than new ones? I've notice that the interest rates for new vehicles tend to be lower than the interest rates for used vehicles, why?

How much has the Fed lowered interest rates since their peak in 07? I know the Fed has lowered interest rates many times recently. I was wondering how much total they have lowered the main rate since they began lowering it.

Based upon the last 20 years, are interest rates presently considered high or low? What is the prime rate? Based upon the last 20 years, are interest rates presently considered high or low? What is the prime rate?

What is the affect of Interest rates on the economy? When interest rates are increased or decreased, how does this effect the countries economy?

Are the massive drops of interest rates & falling shareprices the start for a new property boom? In Sydney at least, current conditions are: - Sharemarket volatility - Bear market - Massive cuts of interest rates - Few new housing constructions because of the recession - Rental shortages - Years of stagnant property prices (property bubble popped in 2004-3). Good conditions for the next property boom?

With the Federal Interest rates so low can I refinance into a lower fixed rate with not so good credit? I bought my first home from my parents about 2 years ago. The loan at the time was 8%. With the federal interest rates so low is it possible to refinance my fixed rate loan to a lower interest rate with not so good credit. I have a few lates on my mortgage along with an apartment eviction this year and collection accounts. Am I doomed to fail?

What is the relationship between interest rates, bonds, and stock prices? I always am hearing people talk about how important the interest rates that the government sets are. The have some sort of effect on stock prices and bond prices. What is that relationship is and WHY?

What would happen to the economy if interest rates were 0? McCain said "I'm glad whenever interest rates are lowerd. I wish interest rates were 0" Putting aside politics, looking purely at economics if we lived in a country without any interest rates what would happen?

how can interest rates fall during a recession without the government taking action? So it is possible for interest rates to fall during a recession even without governments taking action to expand the money supply. How is this possible? the fed, not the government.

What rates are being referred to when we say key interest rates? Do these rates pertain to the interest of regular savings accounts and/or other types of certificate of deposits? What does overnight lending rate mean? Banks borrow from Central Bank? Why?

How does increased interest rates influence household expenditure? How does increased interest rates influence household expenditure? Ps. Please provide a source if possible. Thanks.

How does raising interest rates reduce inflation? I don't follow the logic of raising interest rates to reduce inflation. Can anyone provide some reasoning around this practice?

How long after a bankruptcy does it usually take to get low interest rates again? I had a BK in 2002 and have about 7 credit cards right now with not so low interest rates which I expect. I want to finance a nice car but definitely do not want to pay high interest rates ( 10-25% is high to me). If I maintain a perfect credit record post BK, how long would it be before I can get normal interest rates like normal people ( like 0%-5% APR)? *also I will be doing everything I can to increase my credit score ( like keeping minimal balances, no late payments, etc) .

How does raising interest rates effect inflation? When I hear on the news they are raising interest rates to slow the economy and inflation, what do they mean? How does it effect inflation and does inflation ever go down?

What pure plays can I make to capitalize on rising interest rates? Aside from shorting utilities or buying gold funds, is there a non-futures product that I can either short or buy that will increase with interest rates?

What was the reason for increasing interest rates? Other then the oil price going up, there have been no real price increases since 2000 (The real estate boom is a different matter). Why did the Fed increase interest rates in the last couple of years? I didn't see any sign of inflation, could it be, that the Fed wants to keep foreing investors happy?

what credit card has the best interest rates and is safe? I currenty have a master card that has outrageous interest rates so im looking for a new one..anyone have any suggestions?

What is the effect of the current subprime market on long term interest rates? What I mainly want to know is how the subprime housing market and the credit market are affecting the Long-Term Interest Rates. I know that Short - Term interest rates are lowered.

How does the Federal Reserve cause inflation by lowering interest rates? Recently there's been a lot of talk in the political sphere about how the Federal Reserve debases the dollar whenever it lowers interest rates, but how do the mechanics of this actually work? How does lowering interest rates increase the total number of dollar in circulation? Isn't the U.S. Treasury responsible for printing dollars? Could I please get a simple explanation of how this all works.