U.S. Federal Reserve Cuts Prime Rate by Half a Point

The U.S. Federal Reserve cut its lending rates by half a point today, joining other central banks around the world in an effort to boost failing markets.

Lending rates now stand at 1.5 percent from the Fed, with the discount rate also being trimmed by half a point to 1.75 percent.

Other banks cutting rates were the European Central Bank, which dropped it rates from 3.75 percent from 4.25 percent. The Bank of England trimmed their rates from 5 percent to 4.5 percent. Other central banks cutting rates were the Swiss National Bank, The Bank of Canada and the Swedish Riksbank.

This is more symbolic and psychological than really doing anything that will make a practical difference at this time.