Economy & Markets
The important economic and stock market news that advisors need to know.
Greek-German Relations Strained in Debt Negotiations
By Marlene Y. SatterGermany's get-tough attitude toward Greece, echoed by Austria, Finland and the Netherlands, has angered Greek officials who say they have done everything they were asked to do in order to be granted a second bailout by the troika of the European Union, International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank.
February 16, 2012
European Concerns Dominate Senate Banking HearingThe Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Current Affairs heard testimony from three experts on the state of the financial situation in Europe on Thursday, and sought answers to additional questions as members explored how the U.S. might be exposed to the eurozone debt crisis.
February 16, 2012
Moody's Warns More Downgrades on the WayMoody's warned that it could downgrade the credit ratings of 131 institutions, including 17 banks and securities firms that have global operations as it reviews their long-term ratings and standalone credit assessments.
February 16, 2012
Greek Bailout Held Up as More Austerity DemandedFinance ministers doubt that Greece will keep its promises of austerity once elections are held, and are considering how to withhold funds without triggering a complete default.
February 16, 2012
PIMCO’s Gross Ponders Life, Death and Recent Fed ActionBond king alerts readers to the costs for a marketplace that still believes cheap and abundant credit is always good.
February 16, 2012
Bashing Wall Street and Election Year Politics: PodcastResearch magazine Senior Editor Kenneth Silber appeared on the Gabe Wisdom Show, on the Business Talk Radio Network, to discuss the intersection of Wall Street and election-year politics.
February 15, 2012
Defending the FedAn American Enterprise Institute scholar argues that both the Fed and U.S. savers today must choose among unpleasant alternatives.
February 15, 2012
Pension Risk Transfer Attractiveness Unchanged, Despite Higher Pension Funding LevelsA key benchmark that gauges the relative attractiveness of annuitizing pension liabilities has remained nearly unchanged since January, according a press statement from Dietrich & Associates.