monetary policy

I've been out all morning, but here are my thoughts on today's employment report. Before the numbers came out, I said I was looking for a mediocre report because that is the sort of not too hot, not too cold kind of report which won't…

All told, Friday's report could disappoint. But to a market preoccupied by the timing and size of the Federal Reserve's first interest-rate increase, a small job gain might actually be less traumatic than a supersize one. High…

The first link is interesting. And too bad it is in Spanish for those of you who don't speak English. It is an important piece about what happens when a central bank is not independent.  The opinion piece from Argentine daily "La…

This is a post which originally appeared at New Deal 2.0 by Randall Wray. L. Randall Wray, Ph.D. is Professor of Economics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Research Director with the Center for Full Employment and Price Stability…

Highlights The US dollar is firmer against most major currencies.  The euro is trading near the week’s lows while the safe haven Swiss franc is up on the day amidst ongoing concerns about Greece.  That’s despite comments from…

Highlights The US dollar is softer against most major currencies.  The still expansionary FOMC statement, the BoJ’s extension of Q/E overnight and the conclusion of the EU finance ministers’ meeting yesterday may have helped ease…

Meredith Whitney was on CNBC in London this morning. She concentrates her comments on mortgages and banking. She sees the winter lull as a harbinger of renewed softness in the housing market. Note: the FOMC statement today reiterated the…

Tea Party Avoids Divisive Social Issues – NYTimes.com What's Happening to China's Migrant Workers? A New Generation Coming and Going – The China Sourcing Blog States may hold onto tax refunds for months – USATODAY.com Fed Helped Bank…

Obama to tap Yellen for Fed vice chair:source| Reuters BBC News – Rove 'proud' of US waterboarding terror suspects Walmart vende la Barbie negra a mitad de precio que la blanca ¿discriminación? – elConfidencial.com Examiner sees…

Bundesbank President Weber has been the most candid to date about what the ECB could do in case Greece is downgraded again, especially by Moody's.  Recall the problem:  Prior to the crisis, the ECB would take as collateral only…