Federal Reserve

For the first time in its 99 years, the Federal Reserve has set an explicit target rate for inflation. The Fed's inflation target will change how you shop for mortgages.

Mortgage rates have been improving since the Fed's mid-day meeting Wednesday.

The December Fed Minutes show the U.S. economy in expansion, and threatened by a European slowdown. Mortgage rates will be volatile for a while and if your rate is not locked, it's floating -- a dangerous situation.

The Fed stood pat today. No change in policy and no QE3. Wall St didn't expect that. In response, mortgage rates have dipped to new lows. Act quickly, though. Low rates never seem to last very long.

The Fed is expected to grease the mortgage markets with QE3, a new round of economic stimulus. When it does, mortgage rates will (finally) move. And move big.

Mortgage rates are rising after the Federal Reserve's November 2 2011 meeting. Wall Street expected the Fed to make new stimulus. It didn't. QE3 will have to wait until another day.

According to the Fed Minutes, Operation Twist was a compromise and more stimulus could be on the way shortly. Here's what that could mean to mortgage rates.

The Federal Reserve has launched a new $400 billion market stimulus plan. Known as "The Twist", the program aims to lower long-term interest rates for everyone.

The Federal Reserve may add stimulus that helps the mortgage bond market today, but don't bet the farm on lower mortgage rates for homeowners.

Wall Street thinks the Fed extended its next meeting to make room for QE3 discussion. Economic stimulus may be coming. But what will it do to mortgage rates?