Nov 28 Why all the focus on just Fed policy? I’m with Alan Greenspan on also looking at our fiscal policy. By Business Desk Question/Comment: Why all the focus on just Fed policy? I'm with Alan Greenspan on also looking at our fiscal policy. Just lowering interest rates without raising revenues could just lead to more inflation. Thank you. Paul Solman: What Robert is… Continue reading
Nov 28 I’d like to know more about Fed — and how it is neither a federal agency, nor does it have any reserves. Question/Comment: I've seen now several of your segments on the Federal Reserve and I encourage you, on your next segment, to go deeper. There is much information available regarding the Fed and how it is neither a federal agency, nor… Continue reading
Nov 28 What will make the LIBOR rate come down and what indicators should we look for to make it go down to “normal” levels? Question/Comment: Mr. Solman: You are one of those few who makes economics as interesting as Paris Hilton's love life (just kidding!) to the ordinary American. The LIBOR rate is higher than the 15-year mortgage rate right now. What will make… Continue reading
Nov 28 Why should the taxpayers bailout the major lending institutions due to poor lending practices? Question/Comment: Housing prices skyrocketed to double in 3 years and everyone thought they were rich, and went out and spent the money. Now the market corrects 30 percent and everyone discovers that it wasn't real. Why should the taxpayers bailout… Continue reading
Nov 28 Watch Midwest Manufacturers Bid to Stay Competitive amid Globalization The American Midwest, traditionally a base for manufacturing, has been hit hard by globalization in recent years. Economic correspondent Paul Solman reports on efforts aimed at strengthening the region's competitive edge. Continue watching
Nov 28 Now that it appears rates will be dropping, where is the best place to keep the bulk of my savings? Question/Comment: As a long time observer of the mortgage market, particularly the subprime segment, I have been anticipating the current economic crunch for some time. Accordingly, I have been keeping a large amount of my savings ($85K) in an FDIC… Continue reading
Nov 28 When can we expect to break even, or at least recover some of the value that we lost due to the declining real-estate market? Question/Comment: Everyone mentions all of those unfortunate people who are defaulting on their home loans due to the sluggish economy. Nobody mentions, however, the many hardworking Americans who saved and struggled to buy their dream homes and they are now… Continue reading
Nov 23 Watch Holiday Shopping Brings Economic Concerns into Focus The Friday after Thanksgiving kicked off what most consider to be the beginning of the holiday shopping season, with retailers hoping for a robust consumer turnout. Financial analysts discuss how consumers' concerns over the housing slump and falling dollar may… Continue watching
Nov 22 Watch Local Foods Have Impact Beyond Kitchen Table Amid increased promotion of organic foods and pushes to support local growers, an agricultural analyst and a New York City chef discuss the broader economic impact of buying local, in-season foods. Continue watching
Nov 20 Watch Probe Sheds Light on Working Conditions in China Reporter Loretta Tofani spent fourteen months in China researching working conditions in Chinese factories. Tofani details her investigation and the risks some Chinese workers face in the manufacturing sector. Continue watching