Dec 01 Isn't Currency Control a Protectionist Policy? Question: One of the commentators on the Newhour recently said that China does not want to devalue its currency for fear of decreasing the attractiveness of its export products and increasing unemployment in China. But the Chinese president recently… Continue reading
Nov 30 Is the UK Breaking Up Big Banks? Question: Why is the United Kingdom breaking up big banks that got bailed out? Are they wrong? Paul Solman: The UK seems committed to one interesting idea in the wake of the crisis, but it doesn’t appear to be breaking… Continue reading
Nov 30 Ask Paul a Question The Business Desk is about the basics of economics, and it lives on questions from readers like you. Paul’s mantra: There are no stupid questions. So, please ask away on all things business and economics. Just use the form… Continue reading
Nov 27 Student Questions: The Gap Between Rich and Poor Editor’s note: This week, the Business Desk continues to feature questions from students in three high schools around the country. Question: Why is the financial gap between rich and poor continuing to get wider? — Stephanie, senior, Carle Place… Continue reading
Nov 27 Watch How Will Dubai's Shaky Economy Affect the World? Margaret Warner talks to economic expert Simon Johnson about how Dubai's weak economy will affect the rest of the world. Continue watching
Nov 27 Watch 'Black Friday' Has New Tone Amid Recession Kwame Holman has a look at how consumers are changing their shopping habits during this year's Black Friday because of the financial crisis. Continue watching
Nov 27 Watch Dubai's Debt Crisis Shakes World Economy The Middle East is roiling with news that Dubai will postpone repaying $60 billion in loans to international banks. Faisal Islam of Independent Television News has the story. Continue watching
Nov 26 Student Questions: The Recession and the Middle Class Editor’s note: This week, the Business Desk continues to feature questions from students in three high schools around the country. Question: What can the average middle class person do to improve their finances during a recession? — Melissa, senior,… Continue reading
Nov 25 Conversation: T.J. Stiles, National Book Award Winner for Nonfiction The winner of this year's National Book Award for nonfiction tells the story of Cornelius "Commodore" Vanderbilt, who rose from humble means to amass a vast fortune, build the country's largest fleet of steamships and control a railroad empire. Continue reading
Nov 25 Jobs Claims Down, Hopeful Economic News on America's Heaviest Travel Day By Travis Daub The number of people seeking unemployment insurance for the first time fell to its lowest point since September 2008, the Labor Department reported Wednesday. Continue reading