Feb 10 As a Stimulus, Would it Work to Give Money to Americans to Cover Their Mortgage or Credit Debt? By Business Desk Question/Comment: As a stimulus to the economy, would it work to give money to Americans to cover their mortgage or credit debt? Paul Solman: Any spending is a stimulus. You might take a few minutes to read, as I just… Continue reading
Feb 06 Does it Make Economic Sense for Homeowners to Immediately Pay Off Their Mortgage? Question/Comment: Given that U.S. banks appear to need cash to stabilize themselves and begin extending credit, would it not make economic sense for homeowners with mortgages to pay off the balance of their loans as soon as possible if not… Continue reading
Jan 30 Watch Value’s Meaning Shines Through as Economy Falters In this time of economic crisis, essayist Anne Taylor Fleming reflects on how difficult it is to gauge the real value of things. Continue watching
Jan 30 Watch Rethinking Regulation’s Role in a Struggling Economy A new government report cites continued oversight problems for the $700 billion federal rescue plan. Ray Suarez examines emerging views on regulation's role in the U.S. economy and the possible creation of a government-run "bad bank" that would help take… Continue watching
Jan 28 Watch Fed Vows to Use ‘All Available Tools’ to Prop Up Economy The Fed has been extraordinarily active in recent months, and there are some calls now to expand its future role as a financial regulator. Analysts examine the Fed's evolving role. Continue watching
Jan 26 When Do You Stop Putting Money Down on a House and Start Putting it in a Bank Account? Question/Comment: Dave and I want to know: Pretend you want a house that costs $500,000. You have $500,000 saved up. In this market, when you can get a five percent interest rate (at least) on your 30-year mortgage, is it… Continue reading
Jan 01 Watch Journalists Look Back on Tumultuous Financial Year The economy experienced an extraordinary year of volatility in 2008 with the collapse of major financial firms and huge market losses. Financial writers discuss the year's significance and the road ahead in 2009. Continue watching
Dec 30 Consumer Confidence Hits Record Low By Admin, PBS News Hour More gloomy news emerged on the U.S. economic front Tuesday as consumer confidence fell to a record low in December and new data showed home prices dropped by the sharpest annual rate on record in October. Continue reading
Dec 16 Watch Fed Employs Bold Rate Cut to Boost Economic Growth The Fed slashed the target for a key interest rate to a record low of zero percent to a quarter point on Tuesday. Financial analysts examine the possible impact of the Fed's move. Continue watching
Dec 04 Watch Treasury Considers New Plan to Push Mortgage Rates Lower, Boost Home Sales In an effort to boost the economy, Treasury Department officials are considering a plan to push mortgage rates lower. Reporters and analysts weigh the pros and cons of such a move. Continue watching