2008

As an unofficial Eurosceptic, I always view EU power grabs through a lens of distrust. Now, the EU is looking to increase its power by further regulating financial markets. But, the heavy-handiness of the regulation surely will be…

Recently, the SEC restricted short selling on a list of 19 stocks because of turmoil following the Fannie-Freddie worries last week. In effect, the SEC was signaling that these institutions are too big to fail because a number of these…

In the aftermath of the Meltdown of the GSEs and the heavy-handed regulatory solution used to stem the tide, regional banks are in focus for investors as they stand to the take the brunt of short-selling. Financial services bears know full…

Below are the latest writedown stories from the web. For the full timeline of news, visit my credit crisis timeline.Also see my list of Bankrupt Global Financial Institutions.2008 07 15 Regional Banks Take It on the Chin As Fallout…

Earnings Wachovia Has Record $8.9 Billion Loss, Cuts Dividend – Bloomberg KeyCorp Posts First Loss Since 2001 After Tax Case – Bloomberg Fifth Third Reports $202 Million Loss on Higher Loan Defaults – Bloomberg…

My last two posts may leave the impression that I believe inflation to be the greatest concern facing the global economy. I certainly believe it is a problem but not the primary one. Deflation is the looming concern and much more…

In the US, the question has to be centered around consumer inflation expectations and what impact this will have on core inflation going forward. In Asia, the question is what impact will rising inflation have on interest rates and goods…

As I write this, crude oil is well off its high of $147.50 on July 11. We are all eager for some sustained relief in the oil price. However, the right question at this point is: has the damage already been done?First, consumer inflation…

EconomyGiven a Shovel, Americans Dig Deeper Into Debt - NY TimesStarbucks Gets Pleas Not to Close Stores - WSJCredit crunch hits Hollywood as banks get tough on funding films - Times OnlineThe Nation: Too Big to Fail? - NY TimesThe US: the…

Have we, too, not suffered at the hands of what used to be called The Interests? Have the stewards of other people's money not made a hash of high finance? Did they not enrich themselves in boom times, only to pass the cup to us, the…