Conflict and Confusion Over Economy at the Fed.

WASHINGTON -- The Federal Reserve's policy-making committee is increasingly divided between advocates for stronger steps to bolster the economy and dissenters who see little benefit and considerable risk in such efforts, according to minutes of the committee's most recent meeting. The Federal Open Market Committee voted at the end of a two-day meeting in September to begin an effort to reduce long-term interest rates, allowing businesses and consumers to borrow more cheaply. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]