Jul 22 Is capitalism the best arangement under which greed will do the least harm? By Business Desk Question/Comment: Is this true?: The problem of social organization is how to set up an arrangement under which greed will do the least harm; capitalism is that kind of a system. (Milton Friedman) Paul Solman: Could be. But the… Continue reading
Jul 16 Consumer Prices Rise at Fastest Rate Since '82 By Admin, PBS News Hour The Labor Department reported Wednesday that consumer prices jumped 1.1 percent in June, marking the fastest rise in more than a quarter century and fueling further concerns over inflation levels in the jittery U.S. economy. Continue reading
Jul 15 Watch Obama Calls for U.S. Military to Renew Focus on Afghanistan In an interview with the NewsHour's Gwen Ifill, Sen. Barack Obama calls for the U.S. to dramatically scale down in military effort in Iraq and, instead, focus more forces on the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. Continue watching
Jul 15 Watch Government Bailouts, Poor Growth Fuel Concerns Over Banking Sector Troubling economic reports and bleak forecasts from the nation's economic policymakers have fueled new concerns over the health of the economy and the stability of the nation's banks. Banking experts offer insight. Continue watching
Jul 15 Bernanke: Economy Faces 'Numerous Difficulties' By Admin, PBS News Hour Amid a flurry of government-backed steps to fortify the U.S. economy, Fed chief Ben Bernanke told lawmakers Tuesday the economy continues to face "numerous difficulties" including turbulent financial markets, rising unemployment and housing troubles. Continue reading
Jul 10 Watch Pew Poll Finds McCain Faces Enthusiasm Gap, Obama Sees Unity Challenge Sen. John McCain is facing an enthusiasm gap on the campaign trail, a new Pew poll shows, while his rival, Sen. Barack Obama, faces his own challenges leading a divided party. After a campaign news update, the Pew center's Andy… Continue watching
Jul 03 U.S. Employers Cuts Payrolls by 62,000 in June By Admin, PBS News Hour The Labor Department announced the sixth consecutive month of job cuts as U.S. employers cut 62,000 non-farm workers from their payrolls in June, creating the longest-running decline since 2002. Continue reading
Jul 02 Are the stimulus checks only a loan? Question/Comment: My accountant told me the government’s gift of money for taxpayers (to help stimulate the economy?) is actually a loan that most middle/upper income citizens will have to repay within a year. Paul Solman: America spends more than… Continue reading
Jun 16 Watch Obama, McCain Talk Economy, Iraq on the Campaign Trail Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain hit the campaign trail yesterday to discuss their views on economic policy and Iraq. Kwame Holman reports on the state of the campaign. Continue watching
Jun 13 Inflation Jumps 0.6 Percent in May; Core Rate Remains in Check By Admin, PBS News Hour Inflation shot up at the fastest rate in some six months, the U.S. government reported Friday. The jump in prices was blamed largely on soaring gas and food prices. Continue reading