11. He now predicts the central bank could hold off raising rates until the new year. 12. He wants to see evidence that the California Public Utilities Commission will keep raising rates as needed to pay for state power purchases. 13. In financial markets, bonds rallied as investors bet that the Fed will decide against raising rates this summer. 14. Investors no longer believe the central bank will hold off on raising rates if the economy shows signs of stronger growth, Dohke said. 15. Interest rates also fell amid expectations an economic slump in Asia will help keep inflation from accelerating worldwide, in turn keeping the Federal Reserve from raising rates soon. 16. Insurance companies say raising rates and reducing coverage is a matter of survival. 17. Moreover, raising rates now could further destabilize Asia and emerging economies from Russia to Brazil. 18. Others see the Fed hesitant to add sparks to a potentially explosive situation by raising rates. 19. Raising rates can push the stock markets generally lower in recognition that it will be more expensive for businesses to expand. 20. Raising rates now could make the situation worse by pushing down stock and bond prices and further weakening foreign currencies relative to the dollar. |