Economy

The median household income in the U.S. is $51,914, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. To find out just where that cash is going, we've trolled through the latest data in employment, transportation, and common consumer expenditures. [Here it is.]

The impact of sluggishness in the U.S. consumer base, U.S. fiscal policy changes, and the prospect of recession in the eurozone now rank in the top five slots on Fitch Ratings' map of the most important and urgent risks to global ratings. Read on to learn what the other 10 major risks are to the global economy.

The warning bells are ringing, and they are ringing loudly. We've already allowed bad economics to lead to bad politics. Now, it's high time to put a stop to the cycle where bad politics undermines an already fragile economy. [Let me explain.] Words: 1085

The articles posted on this site are so serious in content it always is enjoyable when an opportunity presents itself to comment on a serious subject but still manage to put a smile on your face. This is one such occasion. Enjoy!

In today’s overleveraged world, greater deficits and government spending, financed by an expansion of public debt and the monetary base (“the printing press”), are not the answer to our economic woes. In fact, these policies have been proven to have a negative impact on growth. [Therefore] as long as we continue down this path, the “solution” will continue to be the problem. There is no miracle cure to our current woes and recent proposals by central planners risk worsening the economic outlook for decades to come. [Let us explain.] Words: 1510

"The U.S., with $15 trillion in debt, and roughly $1.5 trillion in tax revenues, is an enormous disaster waiting to happen. At 10% interest rates the U.S. would use 100% of its tax revenues to finance the debt....This is why money printing is guaranteed...and this time, like it has before, it will lead to a financial crash [which] will be of a worldwide magnitude.”

This post shows JPMorgan's estimated probabilities on four different fiscal cliff outcomes, conditional on who wins the presidential election in November.

The perfect storm is the real fiscal cliff that we’re going to go over. The real fiscal cliff is when we can’t borrow any more money because our creditors wake up to the fact that we’re no good for the debt and interest rates start to rise.

Nouriel Roubini is known for his pessimistic views on the health of the global economy and his nickname is Doctor Doom. Bloomberg TV recently put together a short video highlighting Roubini's most bold and sharpest quotes from the past year, which is definitely worth a watch (see here).

Outsourcing is a good thing, despite our two presidential opponents excoriating each other over it.... Trade xenophobia is a political tool to divert blame from where it belongs - government - [and]...politicians who talk about “fair” trade are just trying to justify more protectionism...[which] always make people poorer rather than MORE prosperous. [Let me explain.] Words: 430