Economy

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

With the meida channels flooded with commentary over the resolution of the fiscal cliff - I thought just a few simple charts [6] could make things just a bit easier to understand.

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

In order to generate phony economic growth and to "pay" our country's debts in the most dishonest manner possible, the Federal Reserve is 100% committed to the destruction of the dollar. Anyone with wealth in the U.S. dollar should be concerned that economic leadership is firmly in the hands of irresponsible bureaucrats who are committed to an ivory tower version of reality that bears no resemblance to the world as it really is. By upping the ante once again in its gamble to revive the lethargic economy through monetary action, the Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee is now compelling the rest of us to buy into a game that we may not be able to afford. Words: 1410

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

Why are Congress and the White House not panicked about the looming fiscal "cliff"? Why has the Dow pulled back only 2% rather than plunging 2,000 points as time to forge an agreement by year-end has foolishly dwindled down to just a couple of days, and odds of it happening have become remote? Probably because the markets and politicians are aware that the economy is not going to suddenly plunge over a cliff into an abyss on January 2 if an agreement has not been reached by then. [Let me explain just what it does mean, though.] Words: 785

The west is living far beyond its means and is struggling with pitifully anemic growth. This is a long-term trend, and one that is only going to accelerate. Nevertheless, as obvious as the indicators may be, few people will actually do anything about it. A lifetime of propaganda will plant many heads in the sand, ignoring the dangers and opportunities all around. [Let's take a close look at just what these indicators are.] Words: 311

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.