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Do you believe that some of the run up in oil prices is based on speculation in the commodoties markets?

By Business Desk

Question/Comment: Do you believe that some of the run up in oil prices is based on speculation in the commodities markets? My understanding is that the amount of funds et al. playing in oil futures has risen more than 70…

Why didn't the private mortgage insurance avert the current banking and credit crisis?

Question/Comment: Not long ago, writing mortgages required private mortgage insurance (PMI) if the borrower’s equity in the property was below a certain percent of market level. Usually,…

How exactly did the banks lose money?

Question/Comment: My question about the mortgage crisis is this: how exactly did the banks lose money? It seems that people who put deposits on the loans that were foreclosed upon lost their money, not the banks. The banks…

Programs Aim to Break Cycles of Poverty in the South Through Home Ownership

By PBS News Hour

As near-daily reports of housing woes -- from lenders and homebuyers alike -- grip the United States, community-based programs around the country are continuing the slow work of trying to encourage responsible asset building for lower-income workers.

FCC Rules Comcast Violated Internet Access Policy

By PBS News Hour

A divided Federal Communications Commission ruled Friday that Comcast Corp. violated federal policy when it blocked Internet traffic for some subscribers. The cable giant has been ordered to change the way it manages its network.

As a graduating high-school student, I am concerned about the future. What can I expect to see in the next few years?

Question/Comment: As a graduating high school student, I am concerned about what the future has in store. With the economy changing the way it is, what can I expect to see in the next few years? What would be the…

U.S. Employers Cut 51,000 Jobs in July

By Admin, PBS News Hour

The U.S. unemployment rose to its highest level in four years in July as employers slashed 51,000 jobs, according to a Labor Department report released Friday.

Why do some people refer to the current price of oil as a "bubble"?

Question/Comment: Why do some people refer to the current price of oil as a "bubble" Paul Solman: Because the nature of bubbles is that they inflate, but inevitably pop. Those who refer to the "oil bubble" expect the price to…

Trade Talks Collapse Highlight Differences Between Developing, Developed Worlds

Opposition from increasingly important China and India derailed efforts to negotiated a global trade deal Tuesday. With the talks stalled, two economic experts assess the impact on American and international businesses and farmers.

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Home Prices Slid 15.8% in May, Survey Finds

By Admin, PBS News Hour

Home prices slid by a steep 15.8 percent in 20 U.S. cities in May, according to the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller home-price index released Tuesday, offering the latest evidence of continuing struggles in the nation's housing market.