The stock market began its recent slide on July 22, just a day after the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau went live. It’s an ironic twist. The bureau, authorized by the Dodd-Frank Reform Act last year, is supposed to …
Economics & Policy
The Upside Of Down Markets? People Grow Closer
There are so many commentators stressing the very obvious, very real and very important downside of the recent market tilt that in this Mind Over Money post we’ve decided to risk looking hopelessly Panglossian by discussing an …
As Regular Malls Struggle, Outlet Malls Are Booming
Roughly one out of every 11 store sites is empty at traditional malls around the country. That’s the highest mall vacancy rate in over a decade, even though rents at these properties are likely to have decreased or leveled off …
Study: The Rich Really Are More Selfish
“Lower-class” individuals—i.e., folks without much money or education—demonstrate more compassion and empathy than their wealthy counterparts, according to a series of psychological studies. In social scientist speak, …
At the Root of Every Problem Today Is … Fashion?
The list of ills being blamed on the fashion industry includes sweatshops, child labor, the worldwide culture of greed, rampant consumerism, warped self-images, eating disorders, pollution, water shortages, “spiritual and psychic …
5 Ways to Keep Economic Crisis from Driving You Crazy
Everywhere I turn, I see tales of financial doom and gloom. The stock market is crashing! The dollar is inflating! Oil is peaking and homes are foreclosing! If you listen to the breathless media, it’s 2008 all over again.
“At this point, consumers can’t be expected to lead the economic recovery.”
Are Much Cheaper Car Prices Coming Soon?
For months, factors ranging from the rise in gas prices to the Japan earthquake-induced decline in supply have driven the selling prices of new and used cars alike to all-time highs. Now that vehicle production is mostly back to …
Handle With Care: Market Crash Underscores — and Perhaps Causes — Fragile Consumer Confidence
Wells Fargo stock market analyst Al Goldman, who’s followed stocks for 50 years, once said, “Two emotions rule the stock market. One is greed and one is fear.” Make no mistake, greed is still alive and well on Wall Street. But …
Too Cute to Fail: Grandparents Bailing Out Their Grandchildren
When times get tough, big banks and auto companies have the government to bail them out. Kids have their grandparents.
Where Are Wall Street’s Value Investors?
Updated: 3:40 p.m.
Notwithstanding the modest bounce-back on Tuesday morning, Monday’s precipitous stock market decline probably won’t be the last of the ongoing meltdown, Wall Street seems to be saying.
One big reason for …
Investment Outlook: S&P Downgrade Doesn’t Change a Thing
More bad news is on the way, but there are smart moves investors can make now.
