News
USA Today | Next stage of federal gas mileage rules delayed
They are supposed to raise industry-wide gas mileage to 54.5 mpg by CAFE standards, or the high 30s in combined EPA gas mileage on window stickers, in steps from the 2017 model year (when the current rules expire) through 2025.
USA Today | Rate on 30-year mortgages rises to 3.62%
Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages ticked up for the third straight week, staying slightly above record lows. Cheap mortgages have helped fuel a modest housing recovery this year.
USA Today | Sour economy gives rise to extreme commuters
The number of Americans with marathon commutes is on the rise, particularly following a debilitating recession that has pummeled employment and the housing sector, a recent report on the nation's "super commuting" trend finds.
Econ Comments & Analysis
WSJ | The Regulatory Cliff Is Nearly as Steep as the Fiscal One
Americans are learning more about the "fiscal cliff" approaching at the beginning of next year, when tax rates for families and small businesses are set to spike and new taxes in President Obama's health-care spending law take effect. But unless there's real change in Washington, we're also headed for a steep "regulatory cliff" that could compound the damage.
Bloomberg | Maine Lobster Tastes Best With Dash of Supply Side
History repeats itself, first as tragedy, then as lobster. Or so you might think from reading this summer’s news in Maine, which speaks volumes, or crates, about the farcical nature of North American trade policy.
WSJ | The Dodd-Frank Threat to U.S. Energy
In a fragile recovery with 8.3% unemployment, you'd think Congress and government regulators would be concerned about rules that put American firms at a disadvantage. Well, think again.
Bloomberg | Rejuvenating India’s Growth
Is India’s growth miracle coming to an end? Sadly, and despite the nation’s vast untapped potential, the answer may well be yes.
Daily Finance | Why Americans Love the Computer Industry and Hate the Government
Gallup reports that among 25 industries rated by Americans, respondents give the computer industry more positive rankings than any other. That observation comes without explanation.
Blogs
Political Calculations | Men With and Without Wage and Salary Income
Now that we've tested our median income extraction math upon the U.S. Census' income data for women, we're going to repeat the exercise today for the Census' income data for men.
Marginal Revolution | When was it obvious our recovery would be so slow? (questions that are rarely asked)
Many economists say the agonizing recovery from the Great Recession…is the predictable consequence of a housing market collapse and a grave financial crisis. … any recovery was destined to be a slog.
WSJ | Housing’s Fortune Depends on Apartment Living
Reports from the housing front continue to show signs of stability. But the housing landscape is different from the boom years. Apartment construction is propping up the housing industry.
