News
CNN Money | Farewell 3% mortgage rates
This week, the average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage jumped another 10 percentage points to 3.91% and are up from 3.3% in early May, according to mortgage giant Freddie Mac. Meanwhile, those seeking a 15-year loan received an average rate of 3.03%, up from 2.56% -- a record low.
Bloomberg | Growing Faith in U.S. Economy Underpins Consumer Comfort
Consumer confidence last week was unchanged near a five-year high as Americans had the least pessimistic views on the economy since 2008.
FOX News | New report says US hasn't seen expected 'Great Recovery' as economy continues to fall short
An economic forecast says the country's expected "Great Recovery" hasn't materialized and the economy's fallen short of even normal growth.
CNN Money | Nation's drinking water system needs $384B upgrade
The nation's drinking water systems are deteriorating, and $384 billion needs to be spent in the next 17 years to maintain a safe supply for millions of Americans, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Bloomberg | Draghi Sees Economy Recovering as ECB Rates Left on Hold
European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said the euro-area economy will return to growth by the end of the year, handing policy makers a reason to hold back fresh stimulus.
Econ Comments & Analysis
Real Clear Markets | Social Security Falls Even Deeper Into a Sinkhole
The 2013 Social Security Trustees' report, released last week, is proof positive that you really can make numbers say whatever you want. By highlighting one set of "asset reserves" that showed some growth, the report gives ammunition to those who would rather not deal with the fact that the program is on a path to disaster.
Politico | Pipeline upgrade crucial for safety
For most of us, the more than 2 million miles of pipelines that transport oil and gas across the United States are out of sight — and out of mind — until something goes wrong.
WSJ | Sequester Headlines Have Been Scarier Than Reality—So Far
It has been three months since the onset of the across-the-board cuts in federal spending known as the "sequester."
Blogs
WSJ | Higher Mortgage Rates Won’t Kill Housing Recovery
Mortgage rates are back above 4% for the first time in a year, but the rate rise probably isn’t going to be enough to take the wind out of the sails of the housing market rebound.
WSJ | Western U.S. Drove Economic Growth in 2012
The western part of the U.S. was an economic growth engine for the country in 2012, bolstered by increased construction, an expanding finance and insurance industry and rapidly growing mining and oil sector.
