Policy makers in Europe and Japan have turned to negative rates for the same reason—to stimulate their lackluster economies. KORSCHENBROICH, Germany—Two years ago, the European Central Bank cut interest rates below zero to encourage people such as Heike Hofmann, who sells fruits and vegetables in this small city, to spend more. Yet the results have left some economists scratching their heads. Instead of opening their wallets, many...

Source: Wall Street Journal August 08, 2016 17:37 UTC