News
MSNBC | Economic growth picked up speed at the end of last year
The U.S. economy grew a little faster at the end of 2010 than the government had previously estimated, boosted by more inventory building and business investment in plants and equipment.
CNN Money | Household wealth down 23% in 2 years - Fed
The average American family's household net worth declined 23% between 2007 and 2009, the Federal Reserve said Thursday.
CNN Money | GDP report: Economy grew at 3.1% rate in Q4
The economy grew slightly faster at the end of 2010 than previously thought, according to a government release Friday.
Fox Business | Consumer Sentiment Slides in March
U.S. consumer sentiment in March fell to its lowest level in more than a year as gasoline and food prices rose, a survey released Friday showed.
Washington Times | Fears rise that Japan could sell off U.S. debt
Some analysts say that risk to U.S. economy unlikely.
Econ Comments
National Review | Leave Our Bulbs Alone
Is no household object safe?
WSJ | Dodd-Frank's Threat to Financial Stability
The identification of firms as too big to fail is a mad policy that will confer unfair marketplace advantages and put taxpayers on the hook for future bailouts.
Washington Times | LAMBRO: More ‘unexpected’ bad news
Housing market takes a headlong fall - again
WSJ | Detroit's Decline and The Folly of Light Rail
The country needs to unleash entrepreneurs, who will only be held back by tax-funded make-work projects.
Fiscal Times | Food Fight: Are Farm Policies Making Us Fat?
As Americans’ waistlines continue to grow, so does the cost of health care: obesity will cost the U.S. about $344 billion in seven years.
Washington Times | LIVINGSTON: When companies compete, taxpayers win
Congress must ensure Boeing’s new air tankers stay on budget.
Blogs
Cato Institute | End Federal Welfare – Don’t Mend It
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), the chairman of the conservative House Republican Study Committee, recently introduced “The Welfare Reform Act of 2011.” The legislation’s two key components are the imposition of work requirements on food stamps recipients and the capping of total spending for 77 welfare programs at 2007 levels (adjusted for inflation going forward) when unemployment drops below 6.5 percent.
WSJ: Real Time Economics | Secondary Sources: Inflation, Entrepreneurship, Satisfaction and Jobs
A roundup of economic news from around the Web.
Calculated Risk | S&P Cuts Sovereign Credit Rating of Portugal
I suppose there are two key questions: 1) Is Spain next? and 2) will Ireland, Greece, or Portugal default (and what would be the impact of a default)?
Reports
RCM: Wells Fargo | Durable Goods Orders Slip in February
Durable goods orders were weaker than expected for February, slipping 0.9 percent. Defense orders plunged
an unexpected 24.8 percent on the month, pushing the headline orders number lower.
