Archive - Mar 2013 - Blog entry

The UK government appears to be contemplating changing the BOE's mandate so it can be freer tolerate greater near-term price pressures. The Tory-led government is commented to fiscal consolidation--austerity--the same kind of policies many want to see the US adopt, and needs greater monetary stimulus to avoid a deeper contraction in the UK economy.

Yo Liz:  Subsidies for the zombie banks total more than $3 annually for every dollar in income reported by the industry... 

Chart of the Week Video: 10 Year Treasury Yields and Housing

U.S. equity markets rallied once again after opening weaker Monday repeating previous performances. There wasn’t much news domestically. The Fed continued modest POMO actions which will grow in scope throughout the week. Stocks were quiet most of the day but got a lift on rumors that Apple (AAPL) will declare a dividend of some kind. If they do this, then the SEC should be monitoring who and what groups were front-running this piece of news.

a/k/a Muammar Bloomberg...

Worse Than Ever?

“The demons aren’t gone; they’re only sleeping"

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has walked a tightrope over the last few years of keeping the EU together without infuriating the German populace to the point of having to abandon ship. What happens if she loses her political "balance"?

The beast is howling - and Krugman thinks it's his cat purring.

German state employees got a wage increase that is above current and expected inflation. This has domestic and boarder implications. Although few are talking about it, I think it is an important development. It may help lighten the pressure on the peripheral countries from bearing the sole burden of the adjustment process.

We are wondering if and when these signals will have significance.

A few observations about growth and policy backdrop that is shaping the investment climate. It is a large overview that may be helpful to start the week.

A memoriam in images...

A interesting non-partisan analysis of Draghi (which means dragon) and Grillo (which means cricket) to discuss what is happening in Italy and the euro area more generally.  

You could even make a case that QE is part of TBTF. Chew on that for a while Shirley.