News
CNN Money | The global economy is losing steam
Recent data shows slowing growth in the United States and China, while Europe's recession is still underway. Japan has announced a massive stimulus program, but it's not likely to grow much this year either.
Bloomberg | Manufacturing in U.S. Cools as Durables Orders Slump
Demand for durable goods slumped in March by the most in seven months, adding to signs manufacturing in the U.S. cooled at the end of the first quarter.
Market Watch | German business confidence slips in April: reports
Business confidence in Germany fell more than expected in April, with the Ifo business-climate index falling to 104.4 points from 106.7 in March, data showed on Wednesday according to media reports.
Econ Comments & Analysis
Bloomberg | Housing Rebound in U.S. Hampered by Success as Costs Soar
Even as U.S. housing rebounds from its worst downturn since the 1930s, production bottlenecks are pushing up building-materials costs, land prices are rising and skilled labor ready to begin work is hard to find.
Washington Times | Tinkering, but no reform
According to the latest Rasmussen poll released on Sunday, only 33 percent of respondents favor President Obama’s plans for Social Security contained in his recent budget proposal.
WSJ | Must All Patents Last for 20 Years?
Patent controversies continue to roil the business world. In March, a federal judge slashed by nearly half the $1.05 billion in damages awarded Apple last year in its patent-infringement suit against Samsung.
AEI | FHA Watch, April 2013 (Vol. 2, No. 4)
Much misinformation exists regarding the rigor of the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA’s) capital adequacy standards compared to the private sector.
Blogs
WSJ | Only Richest 7% Saw Wealth Gains From 2009 to 2011
Wealthy Americans took a hit when the global financial crisis sent the economy into a nosedive, yet new research shows they alone — specifically, the richest 7% — benefited as households rebuilt their wealth in the first two years of the recovery.
