Jul 16 What Lesson Should We Take From Ireland’s Austerity Experience? Question: What lesson should we take from the experience of Ireland in attempting to take the path of austerity to bolster its economy. Why is the world hearkening back to Herbert Hoover economics? I hope your current series on the… Continue reading
Jul 15 Senate Passes Financial Reform Bill Paul Solman: The senate vote guaranteeing the adoption of the financial reform bill is either good or bad, depending on your politics. But no question it tries to address the major issues that seem to have triggered the economic… Continue reading
Jul 14 More Thoughts on Cleveland and LeBron James Question: Paul, I saw your story on LeBron’s economic impact on the city of Cleveland. I thought you might be interested in seeing some other efforts that are aimed at keeping Lebron in town. Here is a link… Continue reading
Jul 13 Are Banks Carrying Overvalued Commercial Real Estate Loans? Question: I have read some comments that commercial real estate is the next bubble soon to burst. Are banks carrying overvalued loans on their books and the borrowers not being foreclosed on so that these banks will seem to be… Continue reading
Jul 12 Where Is a Safe, Conservative Place to Invest Retirement Money? Question: The recent meltdown hit us hard just after I retired. About 40 percent of our money is in mutual fund stocks and we’re losing. My adviser says “don’t look at it.” I was shocked. Where is a conservative place… Continue reading
Jul 09 What Is the Best Way to Get Control of the Credit Rating Agencies? Question: What is the best way to get control of the credit rating agencies who changed this recession into a deep, deep recession (almost a depression) by their unbelievably reckless, immoral and greedy actions? Paul Solman: Ah, if only I… Continue reading
Jul 08 What Is the ‘Deficit Hawks’ Plan to Create Jobs and Consumer Demand? Question: Paul Krugman knows something about macroeconomic theory, and his NY Times blog has lately been despairing. The “deficit hawks” around the world seem to be winning the day over Keynesian policy with their calls for… Continue reading
Jul 07 How Can China Control the Exchange Rate for Its Currency? Question: I’d like to understand the mechanics behind how China will allow their currency to appreciate against the dollar. How will they do this? What will they stop doing? There are numerous articles about the politics and impacts of this… Continue reading
Jul 06 In Greece, Underground Economy Fuels Financial Crisis Editor’s Note: Paul Solman is reporting from Europe this week about the economic problems there and the tough choices ahead. Paul Solman: I’m heading to France to talk with the Finance Minister Christine Lagarde — champion synchronized swimmer back when,… Continue reading
Jul 02 How Does Executive Pay in the U.S. Compare to the Rest of the World? Question: Executive pay around the world—who’s included in your numbers? How does USA executve pay vs. average employee/laborer/worker pay compare relative to the average relationship worldwide? Paul Solman: Well, here’s the US picture over… Continue reading