Category: Economy

No double dip (probably)

The economics research team at Goldman Sachs has done excellent work over the past few years; they were among the most prescient forecasters in seeing the economic damage that the housing bust and credit crisis would wreak. So their analysis is worth a particularly close read.

Oil prices, global stocks fall; gold rises

Concerns about the debt crisis have weighed on oil markets in recent weeks, adding to worries about weak US economic data that could hit fuel demand.

“It doesn’t look like the two biggest items were seriously discussed today — the potential for a euro bond and the size of the stabilization/bailout fund,” said Edward Meir, senior commodity analyst for MF Global in New York.
Crude prices dropped before the meeting as data showed sluggish German growth hobbled the euro zone, dragging US stocks. The euro slid against the dollar.

Is Another Recession Coming? Global Warning Signs to Watch

global recession warning signs — economic indicators and currency market impact chart

WASHINGTON — Discouraging economic data from around the globe have heightened fears that another recession is on the way.

Fresh evidence emerged Thursday that U.S. home sales and manufacturing are weakening. Signs also surfaced that European banks are increasingly burdened by the region’s debt crisis and sputtering economy.

The rising anxiety ignited a huge sell-off in stocks that led many investors to seek the safety of U.S. Treasurys.