Research Center
Economy Watch: Beginning of the End for Fannie and Freddie?
Though lacking in details, the Obama administration has released a plan that calls for the gradual dissolution of Fannie and Freddie. And one consumer index for January turns out optimism about the job market.
PODCAST: Economy Watch Weekly with Dees Stribling
For the week ending Feb. 11, jobless claims were down, the industrial sector was up, and a lot of people kicked around ideas about what to do with big issues like the GSEs and the federal budget.
Economy Watch: Lenders Getting Back in the Foreclosure Groove?
The pace of foreclosure filings rose modestly in January; the industrial sector is getting its legs; and Ron Paul spouts off about Bernanke and the Fed.
Economy Watch: More U.S. Homeowners Underwater in Fourth Quarter
The housing hangover continues; the House holds hearings on the future of the GSEs; and Bernanke beats his drum about the perpetually ballooning deficit.
Economy Watch: U.S. Home Prices Flat Between 2009 and ’10
Home prices have yet to hit bottom; small businesses are a bit less trepidatious; and the Fed attempts to define nonbanks that are too big to fail.
PODCAST: Economy Watch Weekly with Dees Stribling
For the week ending Jan. 28, the economy is chugging along in all areas, except one. Jobs. Employment continues to lag behind, with the public sector still taking it on the chin.
Economy Watch: Retailers See Strong Sales in January
Winter woes did not stop consumers from spending in January; Bernanke reports good news for economic recovery, with one caveat; and ISM’s Non-Manufacturing Index shows some industries on the uptick as well.
Economy Watch: Employment Still on the Rise?
ADP reports an increase in private-sector employment; Moody’s expects improvement for CMBS in 2011; and construction is at a decade-long low.
Economy Watch: Investors Gung-Ho for Apartments in 2010
Apartment property investment sales grew a startling 96 percent last year; state revenues are starting to heal; and investing in Borders is probably not a good bet at the moment.
Economy Watch: Consumers Out Spending Again
Spending jumped, even though income still lags behind; there are a lot of empty homes out there; and Chicago’s economy is showing accelerated growth.