February 22, 2012
Oil Rises to Highest Level in Nine Months on Greek Aid, Iranian Exports- Bloomberg--2.21.12
Oil has rose to the highest level in more than nine months after it was reported that the euro zone will be bailing out Greece. Iran has also reported that they have stopped selling oil to France and Britain. Iran sanctions are making it extremely difficult for them to sell oil, which has also been a big deal. READ MORE
Greece Gets Next Round of Bailouts - Business Insider--2.21.12
The second round for bailouts for Greece have finally been approved. The total bailout is for $170 billion and it should bring Greece's debt down to 120% of GDP by the year 2020. While this does not fix the problem, it is small steps to help with the growing debt concern in the euro zone. READ MORE
U.S. to hit debt limit before election day - The Washington Examiner--2.16.12
According to the article, the US Treasury will reach the statutory limit for them to borrow money before election day. This is a clear sign to Americans that Washington is spending and borrowing too much and putting the nation's financial well-being at risk. READ MORE
Moody's: 5 big U.S. banks face downgrade- CNN Money--2.16.12
Five big US banks are among 17 global institutions placed under review for downgrades by Moody's. This possible downgrade reflects the continuous economic pressure that comes from Europe's fiscal crisis. These banks include Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley. READ MORE
Obama unveils $3.8 trillion budget- CNN Money--2.13.12
President Obama has revealed a new $3.8 trillion budget request that hikes taxes on the rich, spends new money on infrastructure and education but does little to reform entitlement programs. These entitlement programs have been posing the biggest long-term threat to the federal budget. READ MORE
US Trade Deficit Swells to $48.8 Billion on China Gap- CNBC--2.10.12
The trade deficit with China widened more than expected in December to a record high $295.5 billion. This is certain to reinforce concerns about China's currency and trade practices and many lawmakers believe China deliberately undervalues their currency. READ MORE
The Deception of 0% Interest Rates, High Costs and Capital Destruction- Market Oracle--2.8.12
The Federal Reserve's extension of low interest rates through 2014 has paved the way for other countries to do the same, making it a mainstream monetary policy trend. According to the author of this article, all things paper will lose their value and the solution is gold and silver investments. READ MORE
Money-market-fund report hits Federated, Schwab- Market Watch--2.7.12
The SEC has announced that it is close to proposing new regulations in an attempt to prevent a meltdown in future financial crises. This has two parts, one requires money-market-fund firms to set aside capital in reserve and the other part puts restrictions on investors who wish to withdraw all their money at once. READ MORE
Obama's Calculated Deception - American Spectator--2.1.12
According the the author of this article President Obama practices what is called "calculated deception." This involves the President taking advantage of what he believes the average person does not know. The author believes that this is a part of Obama's reelection strategy. READ MORE
Rising Deficits Pose Major Threat to Economy: Bernanke- CNBC--2.2.12
The rising budget deficits in the US are a significant threat to the economy and are likely to cause a crisis, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told congress today. He goes on to call the situation "unsustainable" and that government spending is creating a fiscal hazard. READ MORE
S&P Warns of Cuts; Another US Downgrade Coming?- CNBC--1.31.12
S&P is warning of a possibility of more cuts for the United States if they can't control their finances. S&P warned that health care costs could hurt growth prospects and harm creditworthiness. This warning comes after S&P downgraded the US for the first time ever back in August. READ MORE
7 Ways Inflation Will Hit Americans in 2012 - Daily Finance--1.31.12
The article lists seven way that inflation will hit the average American's wallet. The products that will be hit by inflation include such things as beef, gas, airline tickets and stamps. Many of these products are necessities for the average American consumer. READ MORE
