May 29 What Led to the High Interest Rates of the 1980s? Question: What were the causes and circumstances that led to the high interest rates in the 80’s? Was it inability to effect a change or inaction in addressing the issue? Paul Solman: If by “interest rates” you mean the rate… Continue reading
May 26 Is There Any Talk of Reinstating Glass-Steagall? By Business Desk Question: Is there any talk of reinstating the Glass-Steagall Act? Paul Solman: For those who can’t remember as far back as 1933, Glass-Steagall was an act of Congress passed only three months after President Roosevelt took office and… Continue reading
May 20 Why Were Banks Allowed to Bet on Derivatives? Question: How did the dollar volume of U.S. mortgages get to be such a huge dollar problem? Did derivatives do that? Why are investment banks allowed to bet 34 dollars for only one they have? Paul Solman: First, a word… Continue reading
May 19 Why Are Credit Card Companies Raising Rates on Good Borrowers? Question: My wife’s credit card has been paid off in full, every month, for at least 10 years running (since we have been married). In fact, there usually is a 2-3 dollar “credit” balance every month. (I always round up… Continue reading
May 05 Watch Finance Fallacy: Saving vs. Investing Understanding today's economy is hard enough without having to wrestle with popular misconceptions and misinformation. In a new series, Paul Solman and guests debunk the conventional wisdom to help make sense of our economic world. Continue watching
Apr 15 Can We Prepare for Inflation? Editor’s Note: The government reported Wednesday that consumer prices fell in March, indicating a weakened demand for goods and services. But while this price drop raises the specter of deflation, many economists contend that the real risk to… Continue reading
Mar 18 Why Are Pension Funds Investing in Hedge Funds? Question: Why were pension funds allowed to “invest” in a hedge fund? Hedge funds are nothing more than gambling. Paul Solman: Because pension funds are supposedly big enough and therefore sophisticated enough to know what they’re doing and take considered… Continue reading
Mar 10 Watch Bernanke Calls for Overhaul of Financial Regulations Fed chief Ben Bernanke called Tuesday for a regulation overhaul to prevent future financial crises and monitor "too-big-to-fail" institutions. Analysts weigh the call for reform. Continue watching
Feb 27 Watch Government to Take Larger Ownership Stake in Struggling Citigroup The Treasury Department and Citigroup announced a new plan Friday in which the government will take ownership in a larger portion of the company's stock. Washington Post reporter Binaymin Applebaum explains the move. Continue watching
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