Economy & Markets
The important economic and stock market news that advisors need to know.
Italian 'Party of Bankers' Evokes Threats of Violence
By Marlene Y. SatterPrime Minister Mario Monti has his hands full. Not only is he dealing with Italys debt crisis, but his efforts to enforce and increase austerity measures in the country, as well as his choices for cabinet members, referred to by some groups as the party of bankers, are escalating public...
December 14, 2011
Whitney’s Muni Scare Allowed Banks to Cash In: BloombergBloomberg continued its campaign Wednesday to hold Meredith Whitney accountable for her prediction that 'hundreds of billions of dollars' of municipal defaults would occur within 12 months of her '60 Minutes' interview, noting that one fallout of her prediction was to allow banks to cash in.
December 13, 2011
German Parliament Wants Input on EU DealsGerman Chancellor Angela Merkels party has fired a shot across the bow of future European Union deals: It wants more say in any agreements with European partners, and intends that all future such arrangements must be approved by Parliament.
December 13, 2011
Fed Critics Hot Under Collar Over Dollar-Swaps to EuropeThe Feds decision two weeks ago to lower the cost of dollar funding to liquidity-starved European banks has aroused criticism on the both the left and right, but also strong words from a noted bank analyst.
December 13, 2011
Finland Jeopardizes Bailout ProcessThe Finnish government is at it again. Previously threatening the latest Greek rescue package by demanding collateral agreements for Finland when other eurozone countries had no such arrangements, now the government is split over a change in rules to approve a bailout.
December 13, 2011
Senators Cite Deficiencies in FHFA's Oversight of Fannie and FreddieAs part of an ongoing series of hearings on how to reform housing finance, the Senate Banking Committee heard testimony on Tuesday from the Federal Housing Finance Agencys first inspector general, Steve Linick.
December 13, 2011
Investment Picks and Pans From 7 Portfolio ManagersAs the year comes to a close, portfolio managers are positioning assets with a forward look to 2012and considering the state of the global economy, theyve got an upward climb ahead.
December 12, 2011
Euro Forecasts Fall as Draghi Drops RatesAs European Central Bank President Mario Draghi cuts interest rates put in place by his predecessor, Jean-Claude Trichet, analysts are taking noteand cutting their forecasts for euro value, saying the higher interest rates now on their way out have been one of the main supports on which the currencys value...