News
Bloomberg | Confidence Improves as U.S. Consumers’ Views on Economy Mend
Consumer sentiment advanced last week, an indication that gains in housing and stock markets are bolstering Americans’ outlooks on the economy.
CNN Money | 4 federal agencies to shut Friday
Got a question about tax refunds, polluters or subsidized housing? Don't expect an answer this Friday.
Politico | House passes bill approving Keystone pipeline
The House approved legislation Wednesday to green-light the Keystone XL oil pipeline, giving Republicans a messaging victory heading into the Memorial Day recess.
FOX Business | China Data, Fed Worries Pummel Global Markets
Share markets fell sharply on Thursday as investors piled back into safer assets, unnerved by the twin setbacks of unexpected weakness in China's economy and signals that the U.S. central bank may soon scale back its stimulus programme.
CNN Money | Home sales continue to climb
Home sales continued to climb in April, according to the latest reading on the housing recovery from an industry trade group.
Bloomberg | Euro-Area Services, Factory Gauge Rises More Than Estimated
A euro-area services and factory output gauge increased more than economists forecast in May, adding to signs the currency bloc is starting to emerge from its record-long recession.
Econ Comments & Analysis
Washington Post | Economy needs both reform and investment
One way President Obama can begin to put the IRS scandal behind him is by proposing comprehensive tax reform. Beyond the usual Washington theatrics, the real problem is that the U.S. tax code is unbelievably complicated, clocking in around 74,000 pages, with all rulings, regulations and other material.
Politico | The stakes of U.S. prosperity, LNG trade
It is a rare opportunity that isolates Iran, undermines Russian energy dominance and broadly benefits the U.S. economy. But those are the stakes for Americannei prosperity as the Obama administration contemplates whether to allow the trade of natural gas with our closest allies.
CNN Money | Watch out. The mortgage securities market is at it again.
We thought the Dodd-Frank financial-reform law fixed all this by requiring securitizers to keep some skin in the game.
Blogs
WSJ | Four Reasons Housing Recovery Isn’t Yet Boosting Economy
The housing market may finally be leaning on the economy’s gas pedal—but it’s also keeping a foot on the brake.
