When the unemployment rate declines, even by a little bit, it should be good news. But when it declines because people are leaving the workforce in record numbers, it’s not.…
Ben, the Great and Powerful
“Bernanke said, in essence, that he wasn’t a magician.” …
Don’t Worry, Be Happy
“In your life expect some trouble But when you worry You make it double Don’t worry, be happy…” …
The End of QE?
The Fed’s quantitative easing program has been like that endless tub of popcorn or vat of soda that those with large appetites buy at the theater. It goes on and…
The Black Cloud in the Silver Lining
All I want for Christmas is a new economy. Ours is broken. While there are a few positive signs that optimists can latch onto, it appears that either the country…
Unemployment Drops … Just In Time for the Election!
The unemployment rate has finally dropped below 8% to 7.8%! Or has it? Really? The latest numbers are a head scratcher. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (that’s BLS, not BS)…
Consumers Might Spend – If They Had Any Money
Bond buying will pump money into the economy and reduce long-term interest rates, which are already at historic lows. Theoretically, this will give consumers a greater incentive to spend their…
When a Lower Unemployment Rate Is Bad News
Want to reduce the unemployment rate? Stop looking for a job. More than 300,000 workers dropped out of the labor force in August, while employers added just 96,000 positions. In…
Is Everybody Happy?
Forget about growth in GDP, the unemployment rate, inflation, stock prices and all things relevant to money. Federal reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke suggested this week that happiness should be used…
Dog Days Not So Slow
Another near-miss “flash crash,” more European craziness, buzz about more action from The Federal Reserve Board and a stock market that rises along with the unemployment rate … who says…