Credit eased again

Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2001 | 10:03 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- With the Federal Reserve driving a key interest rate to its lowest level since John F. Kennedy was president, many analysts are betting that the central bank has finally reached the end of its aggressive credit easing.

The fed cut interest rates for an 11th time Tuesday.

The central bank, which had cut rates by a half-point on three separate occasions since Sept. 11, felt the need this time around for only a quarter-point reduction in the federal funds rate, pushing it down to 1.75 percent. The rate is for overnight loans among banks.

Analysts said they detected a more positive tone in the Fed's brief statement announcing its decision -- suggesting further cuts aren't likely in the short term.

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