Labor/Economy
Economy Watch: Home Prices Headed for Double-Dip Territory
The latest S&P/Case-Shiller indexes on U.S. housing prices confirm that home valuations are still on the slide. In fact, almost all of the small pricing uptick experienced in 2009, which probably was a result of the long-gone federal homebuyer tax credit, has been erased. A continuing influx of distressed properties put further pressure on prices.
Economy Watch: Feds on Verge of a Nervous Shutdown
Is the federal government going to shut down because of the fracas between zealous House members (including freshman who weren’t around for the ’95 shutdown), somewhat less zealous members of Congress and the administration? On Saturday, the House passed by 235-189 a bill that cut more than $61 billion from fiscal 2011–the year underway–as part of a temporary funding measure.
PODCAST: Economy Watch Weekly with Dees Stribling
For the week ending Feb. 18, there was plenty happening, including a battle in Washington over the federal budget, opposing views on inflation, and the administration formally suggesting a slow process of winding down Fannie and Freddie.
Economy Watch: Multifamily Starts Hot, Single-Family Starts Not
An increase in multifamily starts offset a drop in single-family housing starts in January; and analysts are worried about inflation, although the Fed isn’t.
Economy Watch: The Winners and Losers of Retail
Retail didn’t see quite the jump in January for which many were hoping; Borders finally files for bankruptcy; and Family Dollar may go private.
Economy Watch: Battle of the Budgets Begins
The Obama administration released its version of the fiscal 2012 federal budget to compete with the House Republicans’ version, but neither side is willing to make cuts to non-discretionary spending.
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.