US Banking System

POUND
Sterling is trading stronger against the USD this morning and is staying relatively stable against the Euro within the 1.19 region. Most recent economic data has been flat with retails sales data out as expected at 0.6%. Market sentiment has improved towards riskier assets but further gains may well be hampered by concerns over the fragile state of the UK economy. There is some speculation of foreign investment flows are aiding the pound with China’s sovereign wealth fund taking a stake in Thames water. The outlook for sterling remains shaky with inflation now lower, the BoE has more room to manoeuvre on quantitative easing in order to starve off the ongoing threat of another UK recession. <

Read full post…

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of England has today decided to leave unchanged the UK’s interest rate at the record low of 0.5%.

The scale of the quantitative easing asset purchase scheme has also been left unchanged, at £275bn.

The MPC has also stated that the scheme is expected to run its course by early February, and said that its scale remains under review.

The interest rate has been held steady for almost two years, having been slashed to 0.5% in March 2009 to help alleviate the worst effects of the credit crunch.

As growth appears likely to be faltering and gradual in the immediate future an increase in rates appears unlikely, and there has been some suggestion that the European Central Bank (ECB) may continue its recent cutting of rates.

Should the ECB reduce rates from their present level of 1% it would mark a new record low for the beleaguered single currency.

Schroders Kevin Murphy discusses tips for investors during the ‘worst consumer environment on record’.

Read full post…

The most popular Citicreditcards available on the market today are currently those that are offering the lowest introductory credit card rates and generous reward programs.  Review the top Citicreditcard offers to find the best credit card and best credit card rate that matches your budget and shopping needs.  Compare the best Citicreditcards quickly and easily and apply online to receive a quick credit card approval without delays and hassles.  Here are the top performers from Citi:

Citi Platinum Select MasterCard

The Citi Platinum Select MasterCard is one of the most popular credit cards on the market due to the extended zero percent introductory credit card rate.  Citibank has continued to promote this credit card with a zero APR for both new credit card purchases and credit card balance transfers for an astonishing 21 months.  After the introductory credit card rate expires the standard rate on the card will be from 11.99%-21.99%, depending on the credit profile of the applicant.

The Citi Platinum Select MasterCard also offers card holders discounts on gift cards, travel, merchandise and more for shopping at the cards online shopping site.  In addition, the card comes with some standard card features such as a free extended warranty and retail purchase protection and Citi® Identity Theft Solutions.  The Citi Platinum Select MasterCard comes with these terms and interest rates with no annual fee.

Citi® Platinum Select® MasterCard®

Apply Now!

Citi ThankYou(SM) Preferred Rewards Card

The Citi ThankYou Preferred Card is the top rewards card promoted by Citibank.  Citi is currentlt running a promotion that allows new credit card holders the ability to earn an extra $250.00 in gift cards for obtaining and using the new credit card. 

New Citi ThankYou Preferred Card holders can $250.00 in gift cards when they redeem the 25,000 bonus ThankYou® Points they will receive after making $2,000.00 in purchases within 3 months of account opening.

Other than the bonus rewards, credit card holders will earn 1 point for every $1.00 spent on all purchases.  Card holders will also receive an anniversary bonus every year they are card member.  There is no expiration and no limit on the amount of credit card reward points that can be earned.  The Citi ThankYou Points can be redeemed for merchandise, travel rewards, gift cards, cash and more.  Like the Citi Platinum Select MasterCard there is no annual fee with the Citi ThankYou Preferred Card.

Citi ThankYou(SM) Preferred Rewards Card – $250 in Gift Cards

Apply Now!

There are many other types of Citi credit cards that may fit your needs, including travel rewards credit cards, cash back credit cards, low interest credit cards and more.

Please note that credit card terms and offers are subject to change without notice. Reasonable efforts

Read full post…

Current Trend in 30 Year Mortgage Rates with Online Banking for December, 2011 has slightly been lowered since a month ago. This makes investing your money in real estate still a buyers’ market.

What is available this month from the online banks is a new one at the top. AimLoan has the best rate on a 30 year fixed rate mortgage with an interest rate of 3.500% and an APR of 3.775%. This is lower than last month.

First Choice Bank is next and they are offering a 30 year fixed rate mortgage with an interest rate of 3.625% and an APR of 3.848%.

First Internet Bank has an interest rate of 3.625% and an APR of 3.798%. T

Read full post…

In a push to get more supporters of the American Jobs Act, the White House has designed a cool interactive calculator to show how much money you may be missing out on if the Act is not passed by Congress. President Obama has been urging Congress to pass the act as quickly as possible, the deadline is coming up in just 20 days.

If you think you may not be able to remember the upcoming deadline, dont worry the white house came up with a cool interactive graph for that as well.

The American Jobs Act had quite the introduction,  along with hugely watched nationally televised address, the Act its very own tour led by President Obama.

Proposed on September 8, 2011, Obama saw no reason the bill shouldnt be passed right away.

Read full post…

So as another year draws to a close in the heady world of French mortgages, it is always useful to look back and reflect on what the year has brought us. This time last year, we were experiencing some of the lowest ever fixed rates seen in France with the record set around 3.35% fixed for 20 years. Not bad if you can get it. As inflation began to unsettle the then head of the European Central Bank Jean-Claude Trichet, we saw increases in the main ECB rate from 1% back up to 1.50%.

Read full post…