Jan 30 Should we have a central registry of mortgage lending so that trading can be more transparent? Question/Comment: As it is with all financial crisis, I guess, a lot of the damage stems from uncertainty. No one knows how much bad debt is out there and who’s holding it. My question is: why is it not possible… Continue reading
Jan 29 A correction from Paul Solman: I want to apologize for misunderstanding a former professor and not checking myself the assertion I made with such assurance on the Friday, January 25, 2008 program that the stock market had gone up in the wake of the… Continue reading
Jan 28 New Home Sales Drop by Record Amount By PBS News Hour New home sales plummeted last year by the largest amount on record while home prices fell sharply in December. Analysts foresee more trouble this year as the housing market tries to emerge from its worst slump in 20 years. Continue reading
Jan 28 How effective have stimulus packages been in the past? Question/Comment: How effective have past stimulus packages been at achieving their objectives and their impact against the estimated consequence of taking no active stimulating role? Paul Solman: Depends what you mean by “achieving their objectives.” Last time around, people spent… Continue reading
Jan 28 Is there anything positive for the small investor in Wall Street these days? Question/Comment: Can you give any positive commentary to help reassure small investors that there is a reasonable chance to expect integrity when dealing with Wall Street? Paul Solman: More than in the past, say? I don’t see why. Here’s an… Continue reading
Jan 28 Why don’t auto-manufacturers sell cars built to the customers’ needs? Question/Comment: As long as I can remember, automobile companies have always pushed their products, by, in one way or another, indicating that they are burdened by surplus inventory. So, given that all the auto-manufacturers now have Web sites where the… Continue reading
Jan 25 How much can I expect from the economic stimulus plan’s tax rebate? We've received dozens of questions about the proposed economic stimulus plan and the rebates for taxpayers and businesses. The deal includes rebate checks for most U.S. taxpayers, but it must still be approved by the Senate and signed by President… Continue reading
Jan 25 Watch Paul Solman Walks Through Wall Street’s Wild Week Wall Street and global financial markets took a dive this week, fueled largely by concerns over a slowing U.S. economy. Economics correspondent Paul Solman explains the wild week on Wall Street, and explores the larger causes behind the turmoil. Continue watching
Jan 24 Watch Stimulus Plan Focuses on Rebate Checks, Incentives Congressional leaders and the White House reached an agreement Thursday for an economic stimulus package that would include rebate checks for millions of taxpayers and incentives for businesses to invest in new capital. A panel of economic experts examines how… Continue watching
Jan 24 Lawmakers Reach Deal on Economic Stimulus By PBS News Hour Congressional leaders and the White House announced Thursday that they reached a deal on an economic stimulus package that would give most U.S. taxpayers refunds ranging from $600 to $1,200 and roll out tax breaks for businesses. Continue reading