News
CNN Money | 2014: When the economy finally takes off
When will America's economy finally stop limping along? 2014. That's what a growing number of economists are predicting.
Bloomberg | World Bank Is Told to Dump Rankings From ‘Doing Business’
The World Bank should stop ranking countries on how business-friendly they are, according to an independent review that said an annual listing creates perverse incentives for governments.
Market Watch | National activity index less negative in May
The national activity index compiled by the Chicago Fed rose to a negative 0.30 from negative 0.52 in April, while the three-month moving average dropped to negative 0.42 from negative 0.13 in April.
WSJ | Slow-Motion U.S. Recovery Searches for Second Gear
Many economists now predict 2014 will be the best year for growth since 2005, while joblessness is expected to click below 7% next year for the first time since 2008. Houses are selling again, the energy sector is booming and jobs, while not plentiful, are being created at a steady pace. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve upped its estimate for next year's expansion as well.
Econ Comments & Analysis
Fortune | Why the economy can't save stocks from Bernanke
Following the two-day 550 point decline in the Dow Jones industrial average last week, a number of commentators recommended stock investors follow Churchill: Keep calm and carry on.
Forbes | 'Welfare State' Doesn't Adequately Describe How Much America's Poor Control Your Wallet
Many people choose to become Democrats when they are young because of a humane belief that government policies in America are stingy in providing resources to the poor. William Voegeli fingered the attitude in his book, Never Enough: America’s Limitless Welfare State: “no matter how large the welfare state, liberal politicians and writers have accused it of being shamefully small” and “contemptibly austere.”
Politico | Undermining immigration reform with high costs
The goal of immigration reform is to make our immigration system rational, accountable and workable. Bringing undocumented immigrants out of the shadows and into the system is a big part of that — it protects families, prevents exploitation and ensures that American workers and good employers are not undercut by unfair competition.
Blogs
WSJ | World Trade Increased in April
The volume of world trade rose in April following two straight months of decline, a reflection of modest growth in the global economy growth.
WSJ | Number of the Week: Will Higher Rates Kill Housing?
$96: How much more your monthly payment would be with a 4.5% 30-year mortgage rate than a 3.5% rate, assuming a 20% down payment on a $208,000 home (the median price in the May existing-home sales report).
