Dec 04 Watch Basics of U.S. Economy Are Strong, Bush Says President Bush tried to quell concerns over the recent housing slump and credit crunch Tuesday, saying "The basics in the economy are good." Two former treasury secretaries examine the state of the economy and whether the U.S. is facing a… Continue watching
Nov 30 Watch New Data Adds to U.S. Economic Anxieties The government released several new economic reports and Wall Street endured a roller coaster week of trading -- all of which served to underscore recent uncertainty about the state of the U.S. economy. Two finance reporters discuss the reports and… Continue watching
Nov 29 Watch Midwest Manufacturers Fight to Stay Competitive in Global Marketplace In the second of a series of reports on America's response to globalization, Paul Solman reports on how some Midwestern manufacturers work to bridge the gap with foreign companies and fight to keep U.S. companies relevant in the changing global… Continue watching
Nov 29 White House Lowers Economic Outlook for 2008 By Admin, PBS News Hour U.S. economic news hit a downbeat note Thursday as the White House lowered its outlook for 2008 and a mortgage research company announced that last month's foreclosure filings nearly doubled those in October 2006. Continue reading
Nov 28 There seem to be different rates that the Fed raises or lowers. What are they? Question/Comment: Last month, the stock market dived about 380 points in one day, then recovered the same day. That same day, the Fed lowered its rate .5 percent. Now I just heard it's lowering its rate for the first time… Continue reading
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