Economic Overviews

While recent developments seem to suggest some positive news for the global economy, there are at least four downside risks that could materialize this year – undermining global growth and eventually negatively affecting investor confidence and market valuations of risky assets. [Let me spell them out.] Words: 933

Only in a debt-based money system could debt be curiously cast as an asset. We’ve made “extend and pretend” a quaint phrase for a burgeoning market for financial lying and profiteering aimed toward preventing the collapse of a debt- (or lack-) based system that was already doomed by its initial design to collapse. This primer will detail the major components and basic evolution of fake wealth creation, accelerating debt expansion, hollowing out of the economy, and inevitable financial implosion. Words:1583

Getting into a good university is not an easy feat and securing a job upon graduation in the current economic climate is not easy either...The biggest challenge for most university graduates, however, is paying off their education loan [which is] hardly surprising [given that] the sum of student debt is higher than credit card debt across the United States. It may sound preposterous that some have called higher education the next big bubble so read the following infographic, which compares the higher education bubble to the housing bubble, and decide for yourself. Words: 410

Though considered the most educated generation in history, the Millennial generation - young adults between the age of 18 and 29 who make up 25% of America's population - is also living through one of the worst economic crises. From a weak job market to the global economic downturn, are the Millennials cut out for this market? [A look at the infographic below tells the story.] Words: 345

Media piracy is a major issue faced by both consumers and industry groups. Since many people download music, movies and TV shows without paying just how much is such activity impacting employment opportunities and industry profits? Let's find out.

Systemic-solvency and liquidity issues continue to plague the Fed and to restrain U.S. economic activity. Bank lending remains impaired, household income has taken a new hit, annual and monthly growth in the broad money supply appears to be stalling, again and U6 unemployment levels are at staggering levels. These ongoing financial problems have horrendous implications for the markets and systemic stability. [Let me explain.]

Recent favourable macroeconomic data has suggested that the U.S. economy could be back on track but the recent uplift in the economy only hides more fundamental problems...[The truth of the matter is that] US economic growth will remain weak and below trend throughout 2012 as a result of net exports continuing to be a drag and the Fed being unable, in the face of political constraints, [to do enough, soon enough,] to help the economy significantly... [Let me explain more fully why that is going to be the case.] Words: 950

The last time we plotted European youth unemployment...Spain was actually worse off than even Greece...Following the latest economic...update from Greece, however, things are back to normal, as Greek youth unemployment is officially the second one in Europe after Spain to surpass 50%. In other words, Europe's scariest chart just got even scarier [as seen below]. Words: 370

Financialization is like the bubonic plague–it constantly needs new victims as it kills off its existing hosts. Housing? Dead, killed by financialization, aided, abetted and powered by the Federal Reserve. Now the Fed wants to “save” what it already killed via financialization–housing–by buying $1 trillion in plague-infested mortgages and brute-force efforts to keep interest rates below inflation, i.e. negative rates.[Let me take this disease analogy further.] Words: 514

Does anyone believe the government cares about deficits? Does the American media care? If they do, why don’t you read reports like the following? Words: 970