Savings Account Rates

Disturbing as some of the March economic data has been, it is just one month, and that does not constitute a trend. It would be unsettling to the economy and the financial markets if the Fed shifted direction with every twist and turn in monthly data.

While it would be great if all areas could share in this recovery, having some areas of exceptional growth can act as a real catalyst for the economy. With any luck, where these areas of dynamic growth lead, more jobs, stronger sales and higher savings account rates will follow.

The U.S. economy added a net total of 227,000 jobs in February, continuing steady employment growth of previous months. However, no aspect of the economy operates in isolation, and there are two outside forces that could throw employment.

As bad as it sounds, it really is a confirmation of a long-recognized problem rather than a sign of new trouble.

Certainly, 2011 did not lack for big news stories. What's more, some of the major events of 2011 will help determine the course of the economy in 2012.

Will customers be treated to higher deposit or higher fees? Or will a wild card such as technology dominate banking news in 2012?

No organization gets more attention for doing nothing than the Fed. Has the Fed painted itself into a corner with these near-zero interest rates?