Economic Overviews

The outcome of the election of 2012 will [only] determine the rate of speed at which we approach the [financial] cliff [because] neither political alternative is willing to change course, to steer away from the cliff. The cliff is so high that whether we go over it at 200 mph (Obama) or whether we merely slip over the edge (Romney), the end result is the same — fatal for the economy and perhaps our entire political system. It is the fall that will kill us. [This article explains why that is going to be the case.] Words: 1135

Economic risk in the Eurozone and elsewhere appears to be escalating, and what is said here describes what may prove to be the 'biggest crack yet in Humpty Dumpty's shell'.

Although the vast majority of today's adults earn more than their parents did at their age, only 4% of adults from homes at the bottom rung of the economic ladder were able to reach the top, according to a new report released by Pew Charitable Trusts. Words: 429

Although the vast majority of today's adults earn more than their parents did at their age, only 4% of adults from homes at the bottom rung of the economic ladder were able to reach the top, according to a new report released by Pew Charitable Trusts. Words: 429

I find the whole European thing tragic. This situation in Europe is only going to escalate. The problem for the central planners, in the not-too-distant-future, is the can is getting too big to kick down the road. What this means is that the chaos will accelerate.

I find the whole European thing tragic. This situation in Europe is only going to escalate. The problem for the central planners, in the not-too-distant-future, is the can is getting too big to kick down the road. What this means is that the chaos will accelerate.

When the financial crisis of 2008 hit, many shocked critics asked why markets, regulators, and financial experts failed to see it coming. Today, one might ask the same question about the global economy’s vulnerability to cyber-attack. Indeed, the parallels between financial crises and the threat of cyber meltdowns are striking. [Let me explain.] Words: 885

The US Federal Reserve, which has been the life-support for the U.S. economy (for better or for worse), is finally discovering that its policies and theories don't actually apply [in] the real world....This means that the primary prop underneath the U.S. stock market and financial system (namely Fed intervention) is slowly being removed. What follows will not be pretty and smart investors should be taking steps now to prepare in advance. Words: 350

The US Federal Reserve, which has been the life-support for the U.S. economy (for better or for worse), is finally discovering that its policies and theories don't actually apply [in] the real world....This means that the primary prop underneath the U.S. stock market and financial system (namely Fed intervention) is slowly being removed. What follows will not be pretty and smart investors should be taking steps now to prepare in advance. Words: 350

The U.S. economy grew just 1.9 percent in the first quarter and is expected to show little improvement but...the ratio of household liquid assets to liabilities is now the highest since Q1 2002. [That's great, but exactly what does that really mean?] Words: 225