Tougher lending standards pose risk to outlook for Fed

A recent tightening of credit for U.S. companies is threatening to undermine economic growth, making it less likely the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates anytime soon. Fed Chair Janet Yellen said this week it was still too soon for the central bank to change its view that rate hikes are needed, a position supported by a still-robust pace of hiring that is helping consumers borrow more readily. "Financial conditions are tightening the Fed's belt," Deutsche Bank, which expects one rate inc