Research Center
Economy Watch: A Week Later, Crisis in Japan Still Reverberates
The economic impact of the disaster in Japan is still uncertain; Republicans propose a GSE plan very similar to Obama’s; and the yen took a dive, as orchestrated by the Group of 7.
PODCAST: Economy Watch Weekly with Dees Stribling
For the week ending March 18, the tragedy in Japan carried an economic dimension: The Bank of Japan flooded its economy with liquidity; industrial facilities were shut down; and the Group of 7 took action to stabilize the yen. The United States saw decline in housing starts, rise in food and gas prices, and Congress passing another temporary spending bill.
Economy Watch: Some Good Economic News for the Week
The U.S. economy scores some good news in unemployment, while food and gas drive inflation. Meanwhile, the Group of 7 takes unusual action to stabilize the yen.
Economy Watch: Housing Starts in the Basement in February
Housing starts dropped 22.5 percent in February; the Producer Price Index increased again; and the nuclear incident in Japan continues to fog the economic outlook surrounding Japan.
Economy Watch: World Economy Still Roiled
The world economy continues to be vexed by the disaster in Japan; the Fed remains optimistic about quantitative easing; and Americans are pessimistic about retirement.
Economy Watch: Japanese Disaster Reverberates Worldwide
The damage to Japan is widespread, with ripples affecting numerous facets of finance and industry. And hackers at Anonymous are accusing Bank of America of playing dirty with homeowners insurance.
Economy Watch: Quake’s Economic Impact Hard to Gauge
In the wake of the tragedy in Japan, the Bank of Japan pumps money into the country’s financial system; inflation is on consumer’s minds; and the SEC has issued the former head of Fannie Mac a Wells Notice.
PODCAST: Economy Watch Weekly with Dees Stribling
For the week ending March 11, retail spending was up, partly due to the payroll tax cut and partly due to increased borrowing. A quarter of residential mortgages are underwater; state attorneys general are attempting to revise foreclosure practices; and we wait to see if the price of oil will derail the recovery.
Economy Watch: Foreclosures Down For Now
Foreclosures dipped in February; state unemployment rates were generally unchanged in January; and home prices are trending downward.
Economy Watch: Hong Kong Boasts Top RE Billionaires
On Forbes’ list of billionaires, Hong Kong boasts the top real estate developers; the House votes on bills to do away with housing and development programs, even though the bills won’t pass the Senate; and oil still muddies the financial picture.