The Hidden Burden of Ultra-Low Interest Rates

The Federal Reserve, which cut its target for the federal funds rate to a zero-to-0.25 percent range on Dec. 16, 2008, said last month that rates would remain "exceptionally low" at least through late 2014. While the unprecedented period of near-zero rates is meant to aid an ailing economy, it poses challenges for banks, insurers, pension funds, and savers.The hope is that by making mortgages and other loans cheaper, ultra-low rates eventually may revive economic growth. For now they’re squeezing profits at banks and disrupting investment strategies at insurance companies and pension funds. They’ve reduced payouts on savings accounts and bonds, and may lead to higher bank fees and insurance premiums. For banks,

The Federal Reserve, which cut its target for the federal funds rate to a ze- ro-to-0.25 percent range on Dec. 16, 2008, said last month that rates would re- main ＂exceptionally low＂ at least through late 2014. While the unprece- dented period of near-zero rates is meant to aid an ailing economy, it poses chal- lenges for banks, insurers, pension funds, and savers.