Economist Tim Duy provides a broad overview of the current state of U.S. economic affairs by examining the Federal Reserves role and options in supporting a turnaround. Duys guess is that monetary policy is the only card left to play as the administrations plans for an economic boost will likely fall short and new legislation seems out of the question given policymakers inability to find consensus. This makes the Fed and its choices on quantitative easing, mortgage-backed securities and long-term policy positions as the deciding factors in whether the country will experience another recession. For more on this continue reading the following article from Economists View.
Tim Duy:
Questions and Answers, by Tim Duy: I thought this might be an easier way to get back into the game after an extended hiatus.
Does the economy need more stimulus?
Always good to start with a softball question – YES!
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Steve Linder lives and works in Key West, Florida, and plans to retire to the Southern Zone of Costa Rica where the weather is beautiful and the cost of living means his dollar will last longer. Now, he’s thinking it may make more financial sense to retire early rather than continue to pay the exorbitant property taxes, insurance, medical fees and living expenses of Key West. Calculating current costs, Steve discovered he can save just over $25,000 a year if he moves now rather than wait for retirement. While he still hasn’t decided whether he should stay or go, he knows that once he gets there he will enjoy everything there is to offer: delicious food, affordable health care, beautiful outdoor living and a chance to retire in comfort. For more on this continue reading the following article from Pathfinder. “T Read more…
While there is absolutely nothing wrong with obtaining a quick loan from agencies rendering services, these companies will target customers who are less knowledgeable about what they would be getting themselves into. Let’s just say that your car breaks down and it is your only transportation back and forth to work. What are your options for getting cash to get it fixed?
Well, if your credit is shot, it would be extremely difficult for you to get a quick loan for your financial crisis. If you could get one, it could take hours and chances are you would have to actually show up. However, you can call a quick loan company and they will process your request over the phone. Within minutes, you can have your money wired to your account.
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Something surprising stirs in the US economy. Something no mainstream pundit would’ve dared predict. Something most people probably won’t believe.
US manufacturing is staging a comeback.
Caterpillar, the world’s largest maker of earth-moving equipment, gave us some tangible confirmation in the latest earnings roundup. Based on the business it sees, Cat expects US construction spending will increase in 2012 for the first time since 2004. And Eaton, another large industrial, followed that up by saying it expects its markets to grow faster in the US in 2012 than anywhere else. If it plays out that way, it would be the first time since the mid-2000s that the US led the way.
These are the first robins of spring. Forge
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Tim Iacono comments on how recent news of Australias seemingly never-ending positive housing market streak reminded him of Americas own housing heyday five years ago. Both Australia and Canada have enjoyed sustained runs of promising house prices, and home prices down under are expected to see even more growth by 2013, according to a report from MarketWatch. For more on this continue reading the following article from Tim Iacono.
Admittedly, I dont follow the Australian housing market closely, however, along with Canada, two of the worlds never-ending housing bubbles do show up in the news from time to time and, upon reading this report at MarketWatch, I couldnt help but think back to the similar housing market optimism expressed in the U.S.
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The beginning of each new year brings many things, and for property owners one of those things is a Notice of Assessment from a property tax assessor. These are not tax bills and so many people ignore them, but they contain valuable information that every property owner should know. The primary reason notices should be examined is because a property owner may appeal numerous decisions a tax assessor may make regarding the value of the property. Main issues that may be appealed are the valuation of the property, the occupancy rate of a rental property, the classification of the property and possible any possible exemptions overlooked by the assessor. For more on this continue reading the following article from JDSupra. Read more…
We can see them there, huddled under cover of night, assembled in the darkened corners of dimly-lit bars, conversing in hushed tones, eyes darting nervously, wondering who among them might turn coat. Which man here conceals a Ministry badge? Do I hide one myself? Dare I even ask?
How their hands do tremble. How their voices quiver, knowing that a second of free expression might cost the author his life. How shall we ever find our way home again, to the land of the free?
We awoke with a start. A dystopic vision had crept into our peaceful, evening reverie. We had dozed off somewhere over the Rio del Plata, on our return to Buenos Aires from Punta del Este.
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