News
CNN Money | The wealthy haven't recovered from the Great Recession (but they're doing way better than you)
The top 1% of America's earners saw their average income rise by 11% during the economic recovery, but hold the Dom Perignon.
Bloomberg | Factories in New York Area Expanded in March for Second Month
Manufacturing in the New York region expanded for a second month in March and industry managers grew more optimistic about the future, indicating the area’s factories are rebounding.
CNN Money | Solar power has record year despite bankruptcies
It was a record year for solar installations in the United States in 2012, boosting an industry still struggling with consolidation and bankruptcies.
Market Watch | U.S. industrial output up 0.7% in February
Industrial production rebounded in February after a weak report in the prior month on the back of stronger manufacturing and utility production, the Federal Reserve said Friday.
Econ Comments & Analysis
Washington Times | The ethanol bubble
When the price of a commodity rises to stratospheric heights for no apparent reason, it’s likely hysterical speculation. Only the government could come up with a bubble in a commodity that’s merely speculative. This week, the going price for a “renewable identification number” hit a high of $1.10, which is up 3,500 percent from the 3 cents it would have fetched just a few months ago.
Washington Times | Remedial economics for Democrats
President Obama and the Democrats still don’t get it. They laid down their budget markers this week, seeking to impose nearly $1 trillion in new taxes on an economy that’s still struggling to get back on its feet.
NY Times | Hidden Numbers Make Banks Even Bigger
Under American accounting rules, banks that trade a lot of derivatives can keep literally trillions of dollars in assets and liabilities off their balance sheets. Since 2009, they have at least been required to make disclosures about how large those amounts are, but the disclosures leave out some things and — amazingly enough — in some cases do not seem to add up.
Mercatus | Deficit Spending Displaces Private Economic Growth
The case for budget balance begins with economic growth. A number of studies have now found that nations with high debt—typically defined as debt in excess of 90 percent of GDP—tend to grow more slowly.
Heritage Foundation | Energy Efficiency, Not Efficiency Mandates
In order to compel American businesses and consumers to act in a manner that suits the federal government, various federal agencies have created mandates and energy-efficiency programs for vehicles, homes, manufacturing processes, appliances, and more since the 1970s.
