Market good for corporate bonds

The US Federal Reserve has acknowledged the risks to economic growth are on the downside and cut int...

The US Federal Reserve has acknowledged the risks to economic growth are on the downside and cut interest rates by 200bp so far this year. Further Fed easing is expected in the coming months. The UK economy is not in nearly such a bad way. Growth for the final quarter of 2000 was revised up from 2.5% year on year to 2.6% year on year. The UK consumer remains buoyant and although the annual retail sales growth rate dipped from February's 5.8% peak slightly last month, it still stands at a high level. Confidence is being boosted by a strong labour market and the number of jobless has falle...