Swiss Re’s Chief Economist, Kurt Karl, has predicted that the decision by the Federal Reserve to maintain the target fed funds rate at zero to 25 basis points would help calm some of the turmoil in the global financial markets.
He noted that “weak economic activity, moderating inflation and fiscal tightening will keep the Fed on hold through mid-2013, perhaps longer.”
Karl added: “Since last summer, the US economic prospects have proved to be resilient to the euro debt crisis. Growth continues, (more…)

(more…)

(more…)

(more…)

Families in the UK are struggling to build up their savings as the impact of inflation puts pressure on incomes and debt levels.
So says Aviva in its latest Family Finances Report, which puts typical monthly net income for families at £2,066, an increase of 7% in the last year.
However, not all family groups have been so fortunate, with divorced/separated/widowed parents having seen their average monthly income tumble 22%, from £1,387 (January 2011) to £1,075 (January 2012).
The most common (more…)

As per the most recent data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the average premiums rates for auto insurance policies in New Jersey has increased over the last few months. The insurance regulators in this state and also the other representatives of this industry place the blame on the increasing cost of availing the personal injury protection plan.
The figures released on Tuesday after the completion of an NAIC study said that the average cost of insurance (more…)

(more…)