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 10 Watch McCain and Obama Trade Jabs Over Economic Strategies Presumptive presidential candidates Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain offered contrasting approaches to mend a sluggish economy this week, with Obama emphasizing an active government role in providing assistance and McCain calling for lower taxes and spending cuts. Continue watching
Apr 07 If deficit spending stimulates the economy then won’t imminent plans to wind down the war and trim spending offset any stimulus packages? Question/Comment: If deficit spending stimulates the economy then won't imminent plans to wind down the war and trim spending offset any stimulus packages? Paul Solman: Hmmm, interesting point: an argument for continuing the war might be its stimulating… Continue reading
Mar 27 Watch Candidates Keep Tight Focus on the Economy All three presidential hopefuls weighed in on current U.S. economic turmoil this week, outlining their solutions for issues ranging from soaring foreclosure rates to government oversight of investment banks. Continue watching
Feb 28 Watch Congress Divided on Economic Relief, Housing Measures President Bush played down the possibility of recession Thursday, while Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke explained to Congress the difficulties of balancing rising inflation with a slowing economy. Two senators debate proposals to aid the economy, including a supplemental stimulus package… Continue watching
Feb 08 Bush Set to Sign $168B Economic Stimulus Bill By PBS News Hour President Bush said Friday he would sign the $168 billion economic stimulus bill that was passed Thursday by both houses of Congress in a bipartisan effort intended to ward off a possible recession. Continue reading
Jan 30 Watch Fed Cuts Key Interest Rate Again in Bid to Avert Economic Anxieties The Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate by half a point Wednesday -- the second rate reduction in eight days in a bid to help ease pressure on jittery financial markets. Wall Street Journal economics editor David Wessel examines… Continue watching
Jan 28 Watch Analysts Weigh Bush’s Final State of Union, Democratic Response In his final State of the Union address, President Bush urged Congress not to delay the economic stimulus bill, while Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius urged for bipartisan efforts to address health care and global warming. Analysts consider the speeches. Continue watching
Jan 25 Watch Paul Solman Walks Through Wall Street’s Wild Week Wall Street and global financial markets took a dive this week, fueled largely by concerns over a slowing U.S. economy. Economics correspondent Paul Solman explains the wild week on Wall Street, and explores the larger causes behind the turmoil. Continue watching
Jan 07 President Proposes $674 Billion Economic Stimulus Plan "I will ask members of both parties to work with me to secure our economic future. We cannot be satisfied until every part of our economy is healthy and vigorous," Mr. Bush said in a speech to the Economic Club… Continue reading