News
Bloomberg | Consumer Confidence in U.S. Increases More Than Forecast
Confidence among U.S. consumers climbed in June to the highest level in more than five years, an indication spending will probably accelerate after cooling this quarter.
Politico | President Obama's energy push could loom large in 2014
The planned carbon emissions crackdown could make the president even more of an anchor on Democrats in deep-red states like West Virginia and Kentucky, where Senate candidates will have no choice but to distance themselves from unpopular policies pushed by the national party. And the new regulations pose a messaging challenge for vulnerable Democratic incumbents already facing competitive Senate races in other energy-rich states, including Alaska, North Carolina and Louisiana.
Bloomberg | Senators to Introduce Bill to End Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac
A bipartisan group of senators is planning to introduce a proposal today for replacing U.S.-owned mortgage financiers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (FMCC) with a newly created government reinsurer.
CNN Money | Home prices jump 12%, new home sales hit a five year high
The housing recovery continues to pick up steam, as home prices jumped in April, and new home sales hit a five year high in May.
Bloomberg | Orders for U.S. Durable Goods Rose More Than Forecast
Orders for U.S. durable goods rose more than forecast in May, reflecting broad-based gains that signal manufacturing is stabilizing.
Econ Comments & Analysis
Real Clear Markets | Relax, The Stock Market Correction Is Your Friend
It's long been a rule of thumb that the economy can't boom when oil is trading above $50 barrel. Conventional wisdom about the latter would be that high gasoline prices erase the diposable income of most consumers.
Investors | So Much For Obama 'Transparency' At CFPB
Governance: In breach of federal law, the "most open and transparent administration" has shut out industry and press from critical meetings crafting new federal financial rules.
Washington Times | A better war on poverty
President Lyndon B. Johnson declared a war on poverty in his 1964 State of the Union address, and Americans have been fighting a losing battle ever since. Fortunately, the broader conservative-libertarian movement has the ability, and the responsibility, to bring forward serious ideas to confront poverty. In fact, conservative causes, such as welfare reform, fiscal responsibility, free enterprise, and supporting local communities and faith-based organizations, have a long history of success.
Mercatus | Keep Up the Pressure to Save Social Security
As with last year, the Trustees continue to estimate that the combined retirement and disability Social Security Trust Funds will become exhausted in 2033, just 20 short years from now.
Blogs
WSJ | Foreigners Boosted U.S. Investments in First Quarter Amid Recovery
Foreign investors boosted their holdings in the U.S. in the first quarter as the American economic recovery lifted domestic markets.
