Economic Overviews

To any sane person who has a grasp of what is presently occurring, it is obvious that the current state of affairs is unsustainable. The question is how long can the monetary captains' misguided policies keep us off the shoals of our economic destruction. How long can policies of "extend and pretend", "kick the can down the road" or "fake it until you make it" continue? The answer is unknowable but...when something is UNSUSTAINABLE it is INEVITABLE that it will END. TIME is the only unknown. The certainty of it ending BADLY is not. Words: 1265; Charts: 6

Like health, freedom erodes gradually over time... then all at once. We lose a freedom here, there, through a slow, measured deterioration of civil and economic liberty: body scanners at the airport; declarations of foreign accounts; mandatory health insurance and then, suddenly, there's a bifurcation point when the deterioration goes nonlinear. It's like the old saying about going broke-- it happens gradually, then all at once. We lose our freedoms in the same way. [That is already happening in Argentina where the government is] screwing everyone, big time: banks, businesses, workers, retirees, professionals, entrepreneurs, even government employees and the U.S. is starting to go down this road as well. [Let me explain.] Words: 625

VC Market Intelligence is a new monthly infographic from Visual Capitalist that summarizes changes in economic indicators, relevant news stories, commodity and financial trends, and provides technical analysis. The goal is to make this information intuitive and visual to the average commodity investor.

For the 28th year running I have given my views on a number of economic, financial market and political surprises for the coming year....defined as events which the average investor would only assign a 30% chance of taking place but which I believe are “probable”, having a better than 50% likelihood of happening. [Below is my list of 10 surprises for 2013, complete with my rationale for each.] Words: 1037

Say "goodbye" to long-winded commentary. Instead, say "hello" to easy-to-understand graphics to put important economic and investing news into perspective for you and some quick-hit observations on non-stop government spending, the importance of emerging markets and the next sovereign debt crisis. Words: 340; Charts: 4

At the 13th hour, the House passed the compromise bill that appears to have helped the U.S. avoid imminent economic disaster - from their own inability to reach a compromise before the January 1st deadline. For now, the markets appear to be cheering the reduction of some uncertainty but it's not the all-inclusive deal that many had hoped for. Below are some of the apparent winners and losers included in the deal. Words: 765

Dr. Marc Faber, the author and publisher of the "Gloom Boom And Doom" report is one of the most well-read economists out there. I am of the opinion that his suggestions and investment advice are more realistic than any other economist or analyst we hear and read regularly. The summary of Dr. Faber's latest monthly report suggests that he views 2013 as a year of capital preservation. In other words, Dr. Faber is not very bullish on risky asset classes for 2013. This article discusses Dr. Faber's views and the reasons to remain cautious in 2013. Words: 1494; Charts: 3; Tables: 1

The Brookings Institute has released an interactive map showing economic growth data (real GDP per capita and employment change) for the largest 300 metropolitan areas in the world for three periods.and ranks each accordingly. How does your city compare? Take a look.

'Tis the annual forecasting season. Every economist with a model is publishing detailed forecasts for the U.S. and world economies for 2013. I have no model, and my degrees are in history and law but the signs now are clearer than they have been in some time: 2013-2015 should see beneficial growth of the American economy and that will translate into good results for some companies and good returns for some stocks. [Let me explain my conclusions.] Words: 902 ; Charts: 1

As the year comes to an end, it is natural to reflect back on what has occurred. From an economic standpoint, there has been no improvement. The economy is barely above water and nearing exhaustion from treading water so long. Will it have the energy to get through 2013 or will it succumb to the forces that are dragging it down? [For the answer] I invite you to look at these 12 charts below. They should disabuse you of any misplaced optimism.