Government And Institutions

Near-zero interest rates could become chronic in the world's major economies unless "a firm hand" is used to raise them back to more normal levels.

All times are Eastern WEDNESDAY, July 1 WASHINGTON — Institute for Supply Management releases its manufacturing index for June, 10 a.m.; Commerce Department releases construction spending for May, 10 a.m.

U.S. and global stocks headed lower Wednesday as negotiations between Greece and its lenders drag on and it appears the parties are not as close to a deal as originally thought.

U.S. stocks edged lower in Friday morning trading, a day after big gains pushed the Nasdaq composite to a record high.

U.S. stocks moved higher in early trading Thursday, extending gains a day after the Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged from historically low levels.

Asian stock markets were mostly lower Thursday after the Federal Reserve cuts its forecast for U.S. economic growth, a move that could delay Fed rate hikes but also suggests reduced American demand for Asia's exports.

U.S. stocks edged higher Wednesday as investors waited on the Federal Reserve.

More Federal Reserve policymakers expect just one or no increase in short-term interest rates will occur this year compared with three months ago, reflecting a sharp slowdown in the economy at the start of the year.

Below is the statement the Fed released Wednesday after its policy meeting ended: Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in April suggests that economic activity has been expanding moderately after having changed little during the first quarter.

The Federal Reserve is expected to signal Wednesday that it's getting closer to raising interest rates for the first time in nearly a decade while leaving the timing of that increase uncertain.

With evidence that the U.S. economy is rebounding from a winter slump, the Federal Reserve will likely signal this week that an interest rate increase is coming — just not quite yet.

The Labor Department reports on U.S. producer price inflation in May at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Friday.

U.S. stocks headed to losses on Friday as a setback in talks between Greece and its creditors heightened concerns that the country could default on its debts.

U.S. stocks rose early Thursday after an encouraging report on retail sales and hope that Greece won't default on its debt.

Major stock indexes are creeping slightly higher in midday trading as the market comes off a three-day losing streak.

The Dow slipped into negative territory for the year amid a modest selloff Monday, reflecting Wall Street's mixed reactions to an upbeat jobs report.

The Obama administration and Senate Republicans worked in unusual harmony Tuesday to advance major trade legislation opposed by many rank-and-file Democrats, an expanding struggle already leaving a mark on the 2016 campaigns for the White House and control of Congress.

The Senate has voted to stiffen enforcement against alleged currency manipulation by China and other U.S. trading partners that makes it harder for American firms to compete and leads to job loss in this country.

President Barack Obama's bid for new trade agreements faces big tests in Congress this week, mostly from his fellow Democrats.

Australian stocks slipped Tuesday even as the central bank cut interest rates to a record low to stimulate the limping economy.