Only in today’s America would a shrinking economy cause the stock market to rise. The federal government reported this week that the U.S. economy contracted by -0.1% in the last…
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…
Fiscal Cliff Turns Into Fiscal Bluff
“What’s a five letter word for ‘cliff’?“ an editorial page cartoon asked. The answer: “Bluff.” To bluff is to mislead and that’s an appropriate summary of the fiscal cliff agreement,…
Housing Recovery Continues … Sort Of
For the economy to recover, the housing market must recover. When consumers can barely pay their mortgages, they’re unlikely to spend money on other things – and when consumers don’t…
From Goldfinger to Groundhog Day
Tick. Tick. Tick. It’s like that scene in “Goldfinger,” where the seconds are ticking down and James Bond is trying to defuse the bomb. He succeeds, of course, just in…
Ignoring the Cliff
The fiscal cliff beckons and, as previously predicted, a resolution is unlikely. So let’s ignore the cliff this week and consider what’s happening elsewhere. Viva Europe! Last week was a good…
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…
So This Is Compromise?
“We are both heading for the cliff. Who jumps first is the Chicken.” …
Looking Over the Fiscal Cliff
You’ve heard plenty about the fiscal cliff. But little attention has been paid to what’s beyond it. What’s beyond it is another higher, steeper cliff. The federal debt now exceeds…
WOW! Manufacturing Index Up 0.2%!
“Been down so long, it looks like up to me.” Furry Lewis This is what passes as positive economic news these days: The Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) reported Thursday…