Dec 24 Do You Believe FDR’s Big Government Investment Efforts in Fact Helped End the Great Depression, And if So, Would Such Efforts Help Now? By Business Desk Question/Comment: A friend of mine disputes the notion that FDR’s New Deal rescued the nation from the Great Depression; he argues that the war effort was the major contributor. Do you believe… Continue reading
Dec 24 Consumer Spending, Durables Goods Orders Drop as Jobless Claims Rise By PBS News Hour The Commerce Department reported Wednesday that consumer spending fell for a fifth straight month in November, and Americans' incomes dropped as well, partially reflecting massive job layoffs. Continue reading
Dec 23 Watch Report Unearths Regulatory Failures in IndyMac Case Financial regulatory efforts apparently failed in the case of IndyMac, which was reportedly allowed to alter records to appear stronger than it was shortly before the sub-prime meltdown. Analysts take a closer look. Continue watching
Dec 23 Sagging Home Sales, GDP Highlight Dour Economic Reports By PBS News Hour Despite an uptick in consumer confidence in December due to declining prices, most of Tuesday's economic news was gloomy, led by a shrinking economy and falling corporate profits and home sales. Continue reading
Dec 23 LA MOCA Accepts Financial Help From Philanthropist, Director Resigns The Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art has agreed to accept $30 million in financial assistance from billionaire philanthropist Eli Broad, the Los Angeles Times reported. Continue reading
Dec 23 I’m Not Sure It’s My Responsibility to Go Out and Shop to Keep Businesses Afloat. By Business Desk Question/Comment: It seems to me there’s been a shift in market thinking in the recent past. I’m not sure that it’s my responsibility to go out and shop to keep businesses afloat; I always thought that it was business’ responsibility… Continue reading
Dec 23 In Case You Missed It: Infrastructure Projects and Economic Growth On Monday’s NewsHour, Paul Solman examined whether big infrastructure projects, such as the one being considered by President-elect Barack Obama, are an effective way to create new jobs and stimulate the economy. ]>… Continue reading
Dec 22 Watch Details Scarce on How Banks Are Spending Rescue Funds With half of the $700 billion in financial industry rescue funds already allocated, new questions are emerging over exactly how banks have used the money. A financial reporter and a top GAO official examine the issue. Continue watching
Dec 22 Watch Infrastructure Spending May be Key to Boosting Economy Some economists believe increasing government spending on infrastructure is the only way out of the nation's economic crisis. Paul Solman reports on how infrastructure spending may be a crucial way to resuscitate the economy. Continue watching
Dec 22 Watch Obama Expands Job Growth Goals as Part of Broad Stimulus Proposal President-elect Barack Obama is planning to create or preserve three million jobs over the next two years through a series of government construction projects and a massive stimulus plan. A Washington Post reporter takes a closer look at Mr. Obama's… Continue watching