Here are some articles I have read recently which I think are important for people to read. I did not write these articles, these are only links to articles written by others.
August 2013
Asia unwinding (8-22-13)
Shades of the Asian financial crisis of the late 90s as a potential Fed stimulus pullback slams emerging market currencies.
Global worries abound (8-22-13)
This is a good article about some issues facing the global economy.
Unintended consequences of U.S. monetary policy (8-20-13)
This is a very disturbing article. If the Fed pulls back on quantitative easing, what happens to the rest of the world economy?
S&P wooing banks with better ratings (8-2-13)
Here we go again!
July 2013
Currency wars in reverse (7-9-13)
Rising interest rates in the U.S. spell trouble for emerging markets, who have started to raise interest rates to protect their currencies despite weakening economic growth.
June 2013
Scary day in the markets a sign of things to come (6-19-13)
Stocks plunged today, but so did bonds. It is rare that they fall on the same day, especially so much. This is just a sign of things to come as global QE winds down.
Fed watching inflation expectations (6-14-13)
Inflation expectations are falling, giving the Fed some concern about ending its bond buying program.
America's worst charities (6-14-13)
This is a disturbing article about fraudulent charities. Make sure to do your research before donating to charities.
The 800 pound gorilla: the Fed (6-14-13)
Markets around the world are hanging on what Bernanke will say next week about its stimulus program. This is a good article about potential impacts of a pullback in stimulus.
Rising mortgage rates threaten housing recovery (6-12-13)
Rising mortgage rates are spurring more refinances and getting fence-sitters off the fence, but will the market be able to withstand 5% or 6% mortgage rates in a weak economy?
Good news in poverty reduction, but can it last? (6-8-13)
This is a great article on poverty reduction. The question is can the trend rate of poverty reduction continue? Let's hope so!
Is the party over? (6-5-13)
The president of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank says the markets are getting dependent on Fed support. This could be a hint that the party is almost over for stocks.
May 2013
House flippers are back at it (5-30-13)
Here we go again. It is clear that central bankers are not the only ones who have not learned their lesson.
Central banks take on more risk by buying equities (5-29-13)
With bond yields at record lows, central banks are trying to boost returns by stepping into the equity market. Now the consequences of a collapse in stocks are even greater.
Is college worth the investment? (5-23-13)
Few colleges are worth the investment based on lifetime earnings versus costs to attend. Click on the link in the article to find your school!
Lack of inflation weighs on gold (5-23-13)
This is an excellent article explaining why there is no inflation and why gold is suffering.
Bare-bones health plans the wave of the future? (5-20-13)
Bare-bones health plans may be offered by large companies as a way to minimize costs while still adhering to the new health law.
Revenue growth stagnant in Q1 (5-10-13)
Yet another reason to be cautious, and skeptical, about the soaring stock market. Investors don't seem to care about anything these days. That's very dangerous.
Romneycare vs. Obamacare (5-10-13)
Interesting comparison. Neither of them address rising costs though.
Bond funds risky (5-10-13)
Bond funds are very risky right now because interest rates are at record lows and you can't hold bond funds to maturity. When rates rise, bond funds will suffer big losses.
Banks ramp up lending (5-9-13)
A good sign for the economy, hopefully it can continue.
Positive job report for April (5-3-13)
The economy added a stronger-than-expected 165K jobs in April, while revisions added 114K to February and March. The unemployment rate also dipped.
Africa is the next big story (5-3-13)
The continent has much to offer, if only corruption can be rooted out.
Markets don't want a strong economy (5-2-13)
Cost cutting and Fed stimulus continue to drive the market higher, but jobs are scarce due to low demand and improved efficiency. How long can this last?
Healthcare uncertainty weighs on job market (5-1-13)
Even Obama's economic advisor sees hints that uncertainty and concern about healthcare reform are weighing on hiring decisions.
U.S. not alone in losing jobs to cheaper-labor countries (5-1-13)
The capitalist merry-go-round continues, as companies move production from China to Vietnam and other countries with even cheaper labor.
The patient is permanently addicted (5-1-13)
Have we reached a point in American economic history where the economy can no longer move forward without the drug of Fed stimulus? Is this a permanent condition?
The party can't go on forever (5-1-13)
Stock market at an all-time high despite revenue misses and slowing job growth? Be ready when the music stops!
April 2013
GDP growth slower than expected (4-26-13)
Weak business investment and a decline in government spending led to slower than expected growth in the first quarter. International trade was also a drag on growth.
Cost shifting to change healthcare consumption patterns (4-22-13)
As more companies shift more of the cost burden onto employees, healthcare consumption may slow or exhibit a seasonal pattern. It could also affect medical company profits.
Is gold the canary in the coal mine? (4-19-13)
The record plunge in gold could be signaling that the economy may be in for a rough ride ahead. Is a recession on the horizon?
Low interest rates hurting economy (4-18-13)
About a year ago I suggested that low interest rates and net interest margins would eventually dampen the supply of credit from banks. Looks like I was right.
Signs of yet another spring swoon (4-16-13)
A decline in prices and industrial production show another soft patch has arrived, which will keep the Fed's bond buying program in full force.
The terrifying reality of long-term unemployment (4-16-13)
It appears as though many job seekers are facing a new form of discrimination.
Gold sees historic plunge (4-16-13)
There are many factors that could explain the recent plunge in gold prices.
U.S. loses billions in corporate tax breaks (4-16-13)
We have got to do something about this!
Healthcare mergers could lead to rationing (4-16-13)
Healthcare mergers could lead to monopolization of the industry and rationing of services.
China economic growth slows further (4-15-13)
Worries are mounting that the global recovery is on shaky ground. China's massive overbuilding may finally be coming home to roost.
Retail sales and consumer confidence slump (4-12-13)
Further signs that the payroll tax hike and looming effects of the sequester are weighing on the economy. But the stock market doesn't seem to care.
No such thing as bad news (4-10-13)
It's getting really difficult to justify the stock market rally...bordering on ridiculous. Be cautious!
The Eurozone crisis continues to spread (4-8-13)
Is Slovenia the next domino to fall?
The surge in disability in America (4-5-13)
A stunning report about the truth behind the decline in people on welfare...the surge in people on "disability" insurance!
Terrible employment report for March (4-5-13)
The sequester started to hit payrolls, while the unemployment rate fell only because of a massive decline in the labor force as folks gave up looking for work.
One health plan fits all? (4-4-13)
Small businesses could be forced to offer a single plan to cover all of their employees.
Information on health reform (4-3-13)
Your personal health condition will no longer affect your premiums. Everyone will pay the same, sick or healthy.
Taxpayers could be hit with surprise health tax (4-3-13)
If you receive a subsidy to pay for health insurance and your income is higher than you projected, you'll have to pay back some or all of your subsidy.
Health premiums, and coverage, to rise (4-3-13)
Premiums will go up starting in 2014, but so will coverage. However, many may decide they are better off without insurance and simply pay the fine.
Insurers win Medicare payment increases (4-3-13)
Is it any wonder we will probably never be able to reduce the deficit?
March 2013
Cyber attacks becoming more distructive (3-30-13)
This is becoming a growing concern, and could eventually do serious damage to our economy.
Insurance premiums likely to rise (3-28-13)
This is going to be ugly folks.
Big changes coming to healthcare (3-26-13)
If you don't think this is going to be a disaster, you are not paying attention.
Greenspan not worried about "irrational exuberance" (3-15-13)
In recent days, Greenspan, Bernanke and Buffet have said there is nothing to worry about. That's exactly the sentiment we heard right before the financial crisis hit.
Another Obamacare fee revealed (3-15-13)
Well what do you know, we continue to find out what's in the ACA. That's what happens when nobody reads the bill before voting on it.
Housing rebound not all it's cracked up to be (3-14-13)
Delayed foreclosures have led to artificially tight inventory, pushing up prices, but that may be about to change.
Bond and stock markets out of sync (3-14-13)
Stocks are up, but long bonds have not sold off. Somebody is wrong.
Retail sales strong, but not as good as it looks (3-13-13)
Home and auto sales remain strong, but the payroll tax hike hit food services, home furnishings and electronics in January.
Better consumer spending portends stronger economic growth (3-13-13)
Maybe, but economists remain skeptical of the sustainability of the consumer in the face of continued fiscal headwinds.