Fed Signals End to Emergency Bank Loan Program Next Month
• Fed VP Michael Barr signals emergency loan program likely won't be extended past March 11 expiration date • Program was started last year to ease stress during regional banking crisis • Banks have tapped the backstop for record funds recently as rate cut expectations made it more attractive • Barr open to considering changes to regulators' plan to increase capital requirements for biggest banks • Barr questioned on impact to consumers' access to credit and affordable mortgages