The U.S. and economic growth have consistently gone hand in hand. The country’s history has consistently been accompanied by economic progress, and since the end of World War II, the U.S. economy has averaged GDP growth of more …
Economics
Bernanke Stands Pat: No New QE (For Now)
While most Americans have their minds squarely fixed on beach and barbecue plans this weekend, market participants had their eyes an ears affixed to Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke’s speech this morning in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The …
The Six Daunting Financial Problems Facing America
Solutions to the economic problems that the U.S. faces are unpalatable, and there’s a dangerous temptation to avoid dealing with fundamental issues.
Country Half Full: An Optimistic Take On Our National Debt Nightmare
It’s rare that a United Nations report can engender optimism about anything, let alone America’s finances. But a recently issued (and mostly overlooked) study from the global body’s International Human Dimensions Program might …
Why Obamacare Should Be Redesigned, But Not Repealed
Deft revisions to the health care law could solve its long-term financial problems, preserve broad catastrophic coverage and allow more consumer choice.
Has the European Slowdown Finally Hit the U.S.?
Many Americans are using the July 4 holiday as an opportunity to get away for the week, and there’s no better time to hide from dour headlines blanketing the financial press. Unemployment has hit a new record high in Europe, …
Should All Young Americans Be Fiscal Conservatives?
Resources keep shifting to the elderly at the expense of the young, who will end up paying off a mountain of debt while their own standard of living is eroding.
Moody’s Downgrades — Should We Care?
You’d be forgiven for asking who cares about Moody’s downgrading yesterday of 15 of the world’s biggest banks, including giants like Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley, Barclays, BNP Paribas, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase …
Beware the Bond Bubble
Few investors in these troubled times would dream of expecting double digit returns.
Does Ben Bernanke Have Any Ammo Left?
The Federal Reserve can’t seem to get any love these days. Within hours of the bank’s announcement that it would lower its growth and employment forecasts and continue its “Operation Twist” bond-buying program through the end …
Money Talking: What Matters More to Voters, Gas Prices or Jobs?
A lot of people say gas prices will affect the election. But, in fact, the unemployment rate is a lot more important as a political predictor. New York Times columnist Joe Nocera and I examine the connection between economics and elections — as well as how lousy we all are at predicting risk, and the top financial news of the week — on …
Europe Crisis: “Bad Romance” on a Global Scale
If there were an official anthem for the European debt crisis, it would be Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” and not just because the pop star croons a few lines in French and chants the name of a continental European capital. The …