Fed may take boldest steps in a decade to ease coronavirus impact

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve is all but sure to take its most drastic steps Wednesday since the depths of the 2008 financial crisis to try to counter the coronavirus’ growing damage to the U.S. economy and the financial markets.
With the virus’ spread causing a widespread shutdown of economic activity in the United States, the Fed faces a daunting task. Its tools — intended to ease borrowing rates, facilitate lending and boost confidence &m