The markets are hanging on Ben Bernanke's every word. When the Fed unexpectedly raised the discount rate it charges banks on Feb. 18, the Dow dropped sharply. When Bernanke told Congress this week that the federal funds rate would (still) remain low for an "extended period," stocks rallied.

So far, with the federal funds rate unchanged, the interest rates savers are offered on products like CDs remain low. Rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages inched up slightly this week. Changes from the Fed may not have reached consumers yet, but traders do seem to be anticipating tightening. This weekend, we've got the required reading to keep you up to date on what the Fed is doing, and what it means for your portfolio.

Decoding Bernanke for Investors
Bernanke was on the Hill this week. Here's what he said -- and what it really meant.

Prepare Your Portfolio for Rising Rates
It's time for investors to start getting ready for the Fed's next move. Here's what you should be doing now.

Rising Interest Rates: Who's Next?
It's not just the Fed -- traders will be watching central banks around the world for clues to the global recovery. We tell you who's likely to make changes soon.