Once upon a time, there came a negative rate...

Once upon a time, there came a negative rate...
A cartoonist's look at what happens when rates go negative.
FEB 11, 2016
By  Bloomberg
Haruhiko Kuroda and Mario Draghi may be among the few economists who still think negative interest rates are a good idea. The Bank of Japan governor's decision last month to charge banks on some excess reserves, a year and a half after his counterpart at the European Central Bank took a similar path, means that a quarter of the world economy is now in the sub-zero club. Yet just 27 percent of respondents in a Bloomberg survey say negative rates will help Kuroda reach his goal of boosting feeble inflation, and only 42 percent say the policy is succeeding in the euro area. While the strategy has shown it can weaken currencies — one channel for spurring consumer prices — the discussion over how long that can last and the likelihood of unintended consequences is getting louder. (More: Putting negative interest rates in perspective) The following is a cartoonist's view on what happens when rates go negative.

Latest News

UBS bets on next-gen talent amid continued advisor exodus
UBS bets on next-gen talent amid continued advisor exodus

The bank's new training initiative aims to add hundreds of advisors as it expands its mass-affluent advice unit, according to Barron's.

PIABA slams SIFMA proposal for FINRA arbitration reform
PIABA slams SIFMA proposal for FINRA arbitration reform

The lawyers' group warns that adjudicating certain claims externally and limiting punitive damages, among other suggestions, could hurt investors.

Savant Wealth targets Silicon Valley with Parkworth acquisition
Savant Wealth targets Silicon Valley with Parkworth acquisition

With Parkworth Wealth Management and its Silicon Valley tech industry client base now onboard, Savant accelerates its vision of housing 10 to 12 specialty practices under its national RIA.

InvestCloud rolls out new-generation AI solutions with Zocks, smartKYC
InvestCloud rolls out new-generation AI solutions with Zocks, smartKYC

The wealth tech giant is unveiling its new offerings, designed for advisor productivity and client engagement, as investors and experts continue to grapple with the implications of AI.

RIA moves: Aspen Standard adds $1.1B Boston RIA, Ashton Thomas enters Hawaii market
RIA moves: Aspen Standard adds $1.1B Boston RIA, Ashton Thomas enters Hawaii market

Meanwhile, Merchant is continuing to expand its support for RIAs by partnering with a South Dakota-chartered trust company.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.