71.   These two benchmark rates act as the floor and ceiling for the rate as which the Bank of Portugal lends money to banks.

72.   They were expected to signal no change in the federal funds rate, the benchmark rate on overnight loans between banks.

73.   Usually, the clause requires the borrower to pay the difference between the mortgage rate and a benchmark rate.

74.   The committee lowered the benchmark federal funds rate in January but has taken no action at its subsequent meetings.

75.   The committee lowered the benchmark federal funds rate in January but took no action at subsequent meetings.

76.   The Fed influences the cost of credit in the economy by tinkering with the benchmark federal funds rate, charged by banks making loans among themselves.