WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- The impetus for the Federal Reserve to increase its discount, or emergency lending, rate came from two relatively hawkish district banks, the Federal Reserve revealed on Tuesday. The St. Louis and Kansas City Federal Reserve banks voted to increase the discount rate on Jan. 14 "in light of improving conditions in financial markets." On the same day, directors of the other 10 regional banks had voted to maintain the existing rate. After an extensive debate behind closed doors on Jan. 26-27, the other district banks were swayed. Ultimately all 12 district banks requested the increase to 0.75%, which was announced on Feb. 18... http://www.marketwatch.com/story/two-hawksish-banks-pushed-discount-rate-hike-fed-2010-02-23 "in light of improving conditions in financial markets." Good to know.