Now we’re betting with house money. In the second quarter of 2009, Americans’ net worth increased by $2 trillion dollars. Yes; the run-up in the stock market was felt by a large number of you – your stocks increased by 22% and your mutual funds by a solid 15% in the quarter. What’s not to like?
Read the rest of this entry »Yellow Weeds & Jobless Recoveries
On August - 15 - 2009
A recent unemployment report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics introduced some light into the dreary situation in which the economy finds itself. Yes; the official U-3 unemployment numbers are in- and the headline unemployment number is now 9.4% unemployment compared to the previous 9.5%. U-6, a broader measure of unemployment (specifically the total employed, marginally attached workers and part time workers who want to work full time in the civilian labor force and marginally attached workers) ticked down from 16.5% to 16.3%. On the surface, a pretty good report. However, some signs of weakness are right below the surface.
Read the rest of this entry »
