Economic Overviews

The European economic situation is explained very simply in the illustration below. Take a look.

"In our view, monetary policy has been boxed in by previous actions, election year politics (and even more broadly by the dynamics of the contemporary state of democracy), and the slowdown in global forex accumulation. The result, we expect, will be a continuation of financial repression under the most optimistic of scenarios. At the very least, returns on liquid capital could remain negative for many years to come. Under such circumstances, demand for the protection offered by gold should remain strong. Should the presumed economic recovery falter, we anticipate that the calls for renewed QE will be deafening." John Hathaway

On the surface, Spain's debt woes have many things in common with those of Greece - bad age demographics and a toxic bank system - but you'll note that, as we tackle each of these, Spain is in fact in far worse fiscal shape than Greece. [Let's take a look.] Words: 700

The International Monetary Fund has just released its 2012 World Economic Outlook, sub-titled 'Growth Resuming, Dangers Remain'. I have read it in full and present a brief synopsis of it below which will save you more than 1 hour of your time doing so. I have also commented on some of their statements to provide greater clarity and understanding of what the report conveys. Words: 674

Economist Gary Shilling, excellent forecaster of past recessions and chief pooh-pooher of today’s market enthusiasm, thinks consumers are in worse shape than they’re letting on ...[and,] while his general pessimism puts him very much at odds with the market for the first few months of the year, it looks like he’s gaining some followers. [Take a look at his] point-by-point explanations of his opinions, [supported by charts , and see if you, too, come to the same conclusions.] Words: 740

Politicians always appear to consider the cost of acting versus the cost of inaction. As long as more money is lined up: be that from the central government for the regions; be that from a European stability fund for the government; or be it from the IMF, incentives for reforms are taken away. [Spain is a prime example of what is wrong with Europe - and much of the world. Let me explain why that is the case and how to benefit from the overall situation.] Words: 1174

About three months ago, shortly before Greece's sovereign debt was restructured, I began to warn about Spain as the next Eurozone country to focus on. That has, indeed, turned out to be 'all the news' with reports every day on Spain's deteriorating financial condition. Given the ongoing world economic uncertainty and volatility, however, I suggest you now begin to pay very careful attention to Italy going forward, but doing so without losing sight of what is transpiring in Spain. [Let me explain why I see 'Italy' eventually surpassing Spain as 'all the news'.] Words: 485

According to the latest real-time Worldwide Consumer Confidence Index most respondents believe that their economic circumstances will improve over the next 6 months even though such confidence has declined marginally from 30 days ago. You don't feel the same way? OK, read on and actually participate in the survey to have your view of things so recorded. It is fast and easy to do. Here's how. Words: 410

It is important when your read articles on Job Reports that you understand what Structural Unemployment is, and what it means to economic growth. [This short article will attempt to do just that.] Words: 432

No matter how you break it down — whether by party/ideology, household income, age, or any other category — the majority of Americans agree on one thing.....[Here are the details.] Words: 260