With its recent move to lower the fed funds short-term interest rate to 0-.25%, they can no longer use this tool to stimulate the economy USA TODAY article.

When car dealerships began advertising 0% interest loans to drive sales of their vehicles, I remember one General Manager worrying that the industry was at its very lowest pricing possible. His justification was that they could do nothing else to incent sales, and they would incur a healthy cost to do it.

Even though the Federal Reserve has other tools at their disposal, their control of this rate has always been viewed as their most powerful tool to stimulate economic growth, curb inflation, and maintain a healthy economy. Now that the rate can go no lower, we can only hope it will help through these tough economic times. If things get worse, then we may see the Fed move into non-conventional efforts. I don't think any of us know exactly what those efforts might be. I am not doom and gloom about our economy. I think this current situation is actually a healthy cycle, all things considered. I also have my eye on the Fed to see what they might do next.

With so many things happening economically, I have been asked on many occasions if there will be an increase in interim CFO jobs. Generally speaking, with firms shrinking and looking for ways to save, and with higher unemployment, I don't see an increase in demand in this area for the foreseeable future.