Dec 11 What is the “Real Economy”? Question/Comment: I’m confused by the term “real economy.” Lots of people are using it, but no one has explained it that I can find. It’s something different than what Wikipedia defines as not the “virtual economy.” What’s going on?… Continue reading
Nov 11 Watch Help for Burdened Mortgage Borrowers Offers Costs and Benefits U.S. homeowners have been among the hardest-hit by the global economic meltdown. In the first of a series, analysts discuss the benefits and flaws of governmental and lender recovery plans, including Citibank's offer to modify loan terms for those falling… Continue watching
Oct 31 Watch Stocks Remain Volatile After Worst Month in Decades Wall Street has endured its worst month in 21 years yet its best week in 34 years. The markets continue to remain unsettled on news of consumer spending cutbacks and investors' fears. The Wall Street Journal's economics editor analyzes the… Continue watching
Oct 09 How could a U.S. domestic problem become a global liquidity crisis? Question/Comment: How could a U.S. domestic problem (the housing bubble) become a global liquidity crisis between banks putting all banks and consequently the economies worldwide in trouble? What needs to be done to prevent a global economic meltdown? Paul Solman:… Continue reading
Oct 07 Watch Federal Reserve Employs Tools to Ease Credit Fears Global markets continued to fluctuate Tuesday, as the Federal Reserve announced plans to buy up short term debt in a bid to ease strain on the credit sector. Reporters and analysts examine the Fed's moves. Continue watching
Sep 29 Could property prices be temporarily “set” at the value of the total mortgage on the property? Question/Comment: If real estate is indeed the basis of our current economy, surely we cannot let it free fall. Could property prices be temporarily “set” at the value of the total mortgage on the property? And on any new property… Continue reading
Sep 26 Is the principle of “buyer beware” the dominant principle in the American system? Question/Comment: Are you willing to argue that the subprime mortgage practices that started this problem can be deemed to be fraudulent in any way? Should anyone be convicted of anything for the devastation wreaked upon so many home buyers by… Continue reading
Sep 16 Watch Presidential Contenders Call for Financial Industry Regulation Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama promised tighter government regulation of Wall Street Tuesday as they struggled to address the country's economic woes from the campaign trail. Campaign advisers debate the candidates' proposals to regulate the investment industry. Continue watching
Sep 11 How will the taxpayers pay if Fannie and Freddie Mac fail? Question/Comment: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, we are told, are so big, we can’t allow them to fail. We taxpayers could end up footing the bill for as much as $200 billion. Where will that money come from? How will… Continue reading
Sep 11 When running as intended, what cost difference does Fannie and Freddie make to the mortgage payment of the average house? By Business Desk Question/Comment: How do other nations subsidize housing (to the same end that Fannie and Freddie do in the U.S.)? When running as intended, what cost difference does Fannie and Freddie make to the mortgage payment of the average house? If… Continue reading