January 2008

With the unremitting negative headlines, it sure sounds like we should all be slamming our doors shut and getting out the nail guns. Here though are some points to ponder as we move from what economists call the Great Moderation (a period of low inflation) to the Great Unwind (the housing meltdown). 1. Learn from history: To get a read for how long we may be stuck wandering around in this ... read more

Ok now on to cleaning up the housing mess on Wall Street: 1. More mortgage cops: To be sure, we can’t afford to spend taxpayer money on having a Federal Reserve sheriff sitting in the lap of every mortgage broker. What with Moody’s threatening to downgrade the entire United States of America due to our oceanliner of debt (and if a downgrade happens, you can forget about national health ... read more

With the U.S. facing a recession, according to a growing chorus of economists, the government is getting set to launch a $150 billion stimulus plan. The debate now is whether the plan is loaded with gimmicks, acting as one congressman put it like a temporary vitamin B12 shot, or serious fiscal restructuring should take place. Here are some thoughts to consider: 1. The deficit hawks are getting ... read more