Mike Shedlock

Mike Shedlock

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Giving Up on Gold

By Mike Shedlock (May 22, 2013)

Investors in the Gold ETF - GLD liquidated 300 tons of the metal this year. The reason? People are tired of losing money watching gold sink while the S&P... more

Another Obamacare Lie

By Mike Shedlock (May 21, 2013)

Here's the question of the day: If you have a choice (and you many not for long because companies are abandoning grandfathered plans) Should you skip Obamacare and... more

Folly of Preserving the Euro at All Costs; Should France Lead Breakup of Euro?

By Mike Shedlock (May 20, 2013)

The Local, a website with German news in English reports Economists warn against German euro exit. “Even a believable rumour that Germany would exit the euro... more

The Poll of Doom: 46% in UK Want to Exit EU, 30% Want to Stay In

By Mike Shedlock (May 19, 2013)

By a wide margin, but not quite a majority (yet), Let's quit EU say 46 per cent of voters in poll. Asked the exact question Conservatives want to put the public in... more

Hollande Asks ECB to Engage in Japanese Style Currency Debasement

By Mike Shedlock (May 18, 2013)

French president Francois has had enough of austerity but claims he "cannot do it alone". The Financial Times reports François Hollande goes on... more

EU Emissions Trading in Tatters (As It Should Be)

By Mike Shedlock (May 17, 2013)

The Wall Street Journal reports Emissions trading in Europe in Tatters. The European Union's flagship program to fight global warming—a regional... more

Triple Dip Recession in France; It's Not the Weather

By Mike Shedlock (May 16, 2013)

France slipped into its third recession in four years as Germany barely went into positive territory, underperforming general expectations. The Financial Times... more

Britain Does Not Need Europe

By Mike Shedlock (May 15, 2013)

Wolfgang Münchau writing for the Financial Times correctly asserts Lord Lawson is right – Britain does not need Europe In discussing the pros and cons of... more

Paul Krugman "Was" Right

By Mike Shedlock (May 14, 2013)

Before discussing Paul Krugman and how right he was, let's first take a look at the Spiegel Online report EU To Impose Tariffs on Chinese Solar Panels. Back in... more

German Export Machine Hits Skids; Imbalances Intensify

By Mike Shedlock (May 13, 2013)

Eurozone imbalances continue to grow even as German exports slump. Why? German imports slumped even more, and the German current account surplus grew. Via... more

Read Between the Lines: IMF Admits Spain is Bankrupt

By Mike Shedlock (May 12, 2013)

It should be obvious, to anyone reading this, that Spain is in an economic depression as well as bankrupt. It is equally obviously that eurozone imbalances and a flawed... more

Huge Bubble in India Home Prices Ready to Burst

By Mike Shedlock (May 11, 2013)

Here are some interesting charts by Deepak Shenoy on the India Housing Bubble. India HPI click on any chart for sharper image India home prices have... more

ECB Ponders Buying Toxic Debt of the Periphery

By Mike Shedlock (May 10, 2013)

In an effort to stimulate small and medium (SME) lending the ECB considers acquiring banks toxic debt of the periphery. Via mish-modified translate from Spanish Libre... more

Negative Real Interest Rates Fuel Yet Another Housing Bubble

By Mike Shedlock (May 09, 2013)

It's easy to spot a Fed-sponsored housing bubble if you look in the right places. The best place to start is an analysis of price inflation as measured by the BLS as... more

When All Else Fails, Blame Your Staff, Not Yourself

By Mike Shedlock (May 08, 2013)

President François Hollande's popularity has sunk to a new low of 24%. Rather than blame his own policies for the huge rise in unemployment and the lack of... more

Nigel Farage Jubilant After UKIP Soars in Local Elections

By Mike Shedlock (May 07, 2013)

Nigel Farage, Founder of the UK Independence Party, claims a "sea of change in British politics" as UKIP Makes Big Gains in local elections. The UK... more

California Governments Confront $1.0 Trillion in Debt Thanks to Unions

By Mike Shedlock (May 06, 2013)

This is a guest post by Ed Ring editor of Union Watch, a project of the California Public Policy Center. California’s State/Local Governments Confront $1.0... more

Thanks Obamacare: Part-Time Jobs Surge, While Full-Time Jobs Fall 148,000

By Mike Shedlock (May 05, 2013)

The establishment survey showed a gain of 165,000 a reasonably good but not spectacular print. In contrast, the household survey showed a huge gain of 293,000... more

Obamacare Affects Part-Time Employment Yet Again

By Mike Shedlock (May 04, 2013)

At a business level, the penalty for not offering a qualified healthcare plan is $2,000 per person, for companies that have more than 30 full-time employees.  As... more

Australia Manufacturing Collapses as Commodity Supercycle Stalls

By Mike Shedlock (May 03, 2013)

Australia fundamentals deteriorate rapidly as evidenced by a collapse in the PMI Manufacturing Index in April. Key Findings Manufacturing activity... more

April 2013 Manufacturing ISM at a Glance; What do the Numbers Mean?

By Mike Shedlock (May 02, 2013)

US Manufacturing as measured by the April 2013 Manufacturing ISM Report On Business® is treading water barely above contraction. Economic activity in the manufacturing... more

Is the US Spending Enough on Education?

By Mike Shedlock (May 01, 2013)

Given the constant chatter from the Obama administration and from teachers' unions on the need to spend more for public education, let's address the question... more

Increasing Likelihood of Unstable German Coalition

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 30, 2013)

Following my April 23 political prediction Merkel Loses Chancellorship in September as Support for AfD Soars, I received many emails from readers suggesting I was engaged... more

Is Capitalism Killing Our Morals and Economy?

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 28, 2013)

In one of the most hopelessly incorrect collections of drivel that I have ever seen, Paul Farrell of MarketWatch writes Capitalism is killing our morals, our... more

Moving Ahead with 'Pension Progress'

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 27, 2013)

Buried in a transportation bill that President Obama signed on July 6, 2012, was a change to make it appear pension plans are better funded than they really are. The... more

Spanish Paper: Liberating Spain from Shackles of the Euro

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 26, 2013)

The El Pais Screwdriver Blog openly asks "Are we to Liberate the Euro?" Here is a Mish-modified translation: Today Spain has reached a record number of... more

Is There a Shortage of Physical Gold?

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 25, 2013)

Demand for gold coins has surged following the record price plunge in gold last week. Demand is so high that the U.S. Mint Runs Out of Smallest American Eagle Gold... more

Political Prediction: Merkel Loses Chancellorship

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 24, 2013)

Now that we have an Understanding of German Political Parties let's consider some scenarios from reader Bernd who lives in Germany about how the election on September... more

Who Pays Their Fair Share?

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 23, 2013)

In response to 55% of Americans Say Their Income Taxes are Fair; 46.6% Paid No Income Tax in 2011 one seriously misguided soul responded "your hate for low income... more

Netherlands on Edge of Economic Crisis; Unemployment Surges as Home Prices Collapse

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 22, 2013)

Netherlands is underwater in more ways than one. Der Spiegel reports Underwater: The Netherlands Falls Prey to Economic Crisis: More than a decade ago, the Dutch... more

Inside German Politics

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 21, 2013)

Inquiring minds in the US note the upcoming German election and may be wondering about the platforms of the major political parties. Reader Bernd from Germany... more

Spreadsheets, Paul Krugman, and Logic

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 20, 2013)

In a 2010 paper Growth in a Time of Debt and again in a book entitled This Time is Different, Harvard economists Ken Rogoff and Carmen Reinhart presented the idea that... more

Is the Fed Printing Money?

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 19, 2013)

Here's a seemingly simple question for you: "Is the Fed Printing Money?" I suspect most of you will reply an emphatic yes, but some of you will say no.... more

5th Largest City in US is Effectively Bankrupt

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 18, 2013)

You know a city is in deep trouble when its mayor invites Wall Street but not the press and not private citizens to a closed meeting to discuss the future, including a... more

Income Taxes and Fairness

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 17, 2013)

The percentage of Americans who think their income tax is fair has fallen to 55%, the lowest level since 2001 according to a recent Gallup Poll on Income Tax... more

Gold, Silver Hammered

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 16, 2013)

After drifting slowly lower for months, gold has been crushed in the past few days as the following charts show. Gold Daily click on any chart for sharper... more

Five Alternatives to FDIC "Insured Deposits"

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 15, 2013)

In the wake of capital controls in Cyprus and statements by the Dutch finance minister Jereon Dijsselbloem that brought into question the entire notion of deposit... more

Marc Faber "I love the Fact that Gold is Finally Breaking Down"; Gold vs. Apple; Patience, Gold, Japan

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 14, 2013)

Marc Faber loves that gold is finally breaking down. The reason is not to gloat, or a prediction. Rather "gold will offer an excellent buying... more

Inspired By Economic Madness

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 13, 2013)

Do not expect any government or central bank to learn much from history, especially Japan and especially now. For example, please consider this bit of... more

Eurozone Math; One Size Fits Germany

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 12, 2013)

Reader "JB" thinks I am blaming Germany for what is happening. That's not exactly correct, but let's take a look at what "JB" has to say via... more

Brussels Threatens Spain With Fines of 0.1% of GDP

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 11, 2013)

Never mind that Spanish unemployment is 26.6% and youth unemployment exceeds 55%. The nannycrats wants Spain to hike taxes even more to make up for budget shortfalls.Hiking... more

EU Warns Portugal on Austerity Measures

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 10, 2013)

As expected, Brussels rejected the Inane Plan "B" Measure to Pay Workers in T-Bills following a Portuguese court ruling that certain austerity measures are... more

10 Compete Failures of the Eurozone

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 09, 2013)

The eurozone was supposed to equalize trade and interest rates. The Maastricht Treaty supposedly ensures the free movement of goods, capital, people and services. Tensions... more

Netherlands, Portugal, the Next Chips to Fall?

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 08, 2013)

Most attention lately has been on Cyprus, Spain, and Italy. Long-time troubles have been brewing in Portugal and I have an update coming up shortly. First consider... more

Canada Unexpectedly Sheds 54,500 Jobs in March; Worst Job Loss in 4 Years; Canadian Dollar Tumbles

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 07, 2013)

Our neighbor to the North also suffered from an unexpectedly weak jobs report today, the worst monthly job losses in more than four years. Canada shed 54,500 positions... more

Jobs +88,000, Household Survey Employment Drops by 206,000

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 06, 2013)

The surge in employment fueled by part-time jobs and the Obamacare effect may finally be over. Although the establishment survey showed a gain of 88,000 jobs, the household... more

Competitive Easing Madness

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 05, 2013)

Central bankers have gone totally mad. The stunning news of the day is a new pledge by Japan to double its monetary base in two years as the Bank of Japan Unveils... more

Fools Never Learn

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 04, 2013)

Proving that fools never learn, the Obama administration pushes banks to make home loans to people with weaker credit President Obama’s economic advisers and outside... more

France's Hollande Orders Employers to Pay 75% Tax

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 03, 2013)

As expected, economic news in France continues to worsen. The Markit France Manufacturing PMI final data French manufacturing sector operating conditions continue to... more

Cash Cow: Of the 50 Largest US Companies, Who has the Cash? Who has the Debt?

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 02, 2013)

Here's the question of the day: How much actual cash is on hand at corporations?Fed by glowing reports from sell-side analysts, most investors are unaware that except for a... more

Italian President Giorgio Napolitano Denies He Is Stepping Down

By Mike Shedlock (Apr 01, 2013)

Whether or not Italian President Giorgio Napolitano intended to step down or it was just a rumor, following ECB President Mario Draghi phone call, Napolitano denies... more

Time to Wave the White Flag on the "War on Poverty"

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 31, 2013)

In response to Unwilling to Work; 25% in Hale County AL Collect Disability, 14 Million Nationwide; A Simple Solution I received some interesting emails from... more

Bill Allowing Gold and Silver as Money; Bureaucratic Nightmare?

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 30, 2013)

I have encouraging news in the state of Arizona where lawmakers back gold, silver as currency. The measure is Arizona's latest jab at the federal government, which... more

Rational Reason to Panic

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 29, 2013)

The first rule of panic is simple: "Panic before everyone else does." With that rule in mind, the pertinent question at hand is also simple: "Should I panic now?" For those... more

Unwilling to Work; 25% in Hale County AL Collect Disability, 14 Million Nationwide; A Simple Solution

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 28, 2013)

A NPR report "Unfit For Work" notes the startling rise in those on disability. Here are some interesting facts from the article. Every month 14 million Americans... more

What Happened to €42 Billion in ESM Bank Recapitalization Tranches?

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 27, 2013)

SAREB, Spain's bad bank, has received assets (primarily bad loans) from Bankia, NCG Banco, Catalunya, Caixam, Banco de Valencia and others.Bankia, a component of Spain's... more

Merkel's Vision: "United States of Germany"

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 26, 2013)

Following brutal negotiations with EU finance ministers, the IMF and various European government officials, Cyprus finally agreed to measures that her highness, Angela... more

Get Your Money Out While You Can

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 25, 2013)

One could tell from the rise in the futures this evening that a deal was reached, but conflicting reports had me wondering "what deal?" The story now is... more

Italy: The Next Cyprus

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 24, 2013)

Once trust is lost it is very slow to recover. For now, much of Europe is acting as if it believes Cyprus is a "one time" thing? But isn't that what we heard... more

Is Italy the Next Cyprus?

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 23, 2013)

Once trust is lost it is very slow to recover. For now, much of Europe is acting as if it believes Cyprus is a "one time" thing? But isn't that what we heard about Greece?... more

Eurozone Downturn Intensifies

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 22, 2013)

There are few sure bets economically speaking (especially if one has to put a timeframe on them), but some things come close. One easy call was for a continued implosion in... more

US vs Cyprus

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 21, 2013)

Reader "MB" who lives in New Zealand is concerned about confiscation of deposits. He writes ... Hi MishApparently articles are appearing in a NZ newspaper editorials... more

Cypriot Lawmakers Overwhelmingly Reject EU Demands; What's Next?

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 20, 2013)

From the library of genuine news, Reuters reports Cyprus parliament rejects deposit tax for bailout. Cypriot lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected a deeply unpopular tax on... more

Cyprus, Spain, and the Lie of the Day

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 19, 2013)

Direct robbery of Spanish citizens would net Spain about €120 Billion according to economist Niño Becerra who says "Cyprus Solution is Feasible, Can Be Extrapolated... more

Have Money in a Spanish Bank? Take It Out Now

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 18, 2013)

In Cyprus, a decision was made to screw savers with a 6.75% to 9.9% "Tax" on deposits. Supposedly this move was made to "avoid unsettling investors in... more

Can We Fix What's Wrong With Banking?

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 17, 2013)

was asked a few days ago by Zócalo Public Square, a not-for-profit daily Ideas Exchange, to contribute a brief comment to coincide with their upcoming event... more

Massive Ships 12-Miles Offshore to Provide Floating City for Entrepreneurial Start-Ups; Launch Date Q2 2014

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 16, 2013)

A company named Blueseed is a year away from offering entrepreneurs an inexpensive place, near Silicon Valley, in which to develop their products."Blueseed will station a... more

Extremely Difficult to Keep Up With Economic Stupidity

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 15, 2013)

I find it increasingly difficult to keep up with economically stupid proposals.Commenting on central bank foolishness is a full time job in and of itself. Factor in unions,... more

Inflation Targeting Revisited

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 14, 2013)

A post on deflation in Sweden (which its central bank does not want) got me to thinking about inflation targeting once again. Sweden's central bank, the Riksbank, has an... more

EU Passes Law Forcing Countries to Take Bailout

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 13, 2013)

Want a bailout? Need a bailout? Actually, it does not matter what your country wants or needs.By a 526 to 86 vote, the nannycrats in Brussels just passed a regulation that... more

Roubini Promotes ECB Currency War and Other Silliness

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 12, 2013)

Economist Nouriel Roubini is now actively proposing the ECB enter the global beggar-thy-neighbor currency wars as a solution to the eurozone crisis.As reported by Yahoo!... more

France Postpones Austerity and Deficit Targets for Rest of 2013

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 11, 2013)

The following Eurostat chart shows that government spending in France accounting for close to 56% of GDP. click on chart for sharper image The above chart... more

Great Employment News Much Worse Than Great: Economy Shed 276,000 Full-Time Jobs.

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 10, 2013)

This article originally appeared on MarketWatch under the title Jobs numbers are far worse than they look. I selected my title from a humorous comment on MarketWatch... more

Mish's Complete Look at Employment Numbers

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 09, 2013)

The establishment survey reports of +236,000 job. For the first time in four months the establishment survey was accompanied by a healthy +170,000 surge in the... more

In Praise of Theft and Fraud (But Not Deceit)

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 08, 2013)

Some people are in favor of theft and fraud as long as it's not deceitful. Financial Times columnist Martin Wolf is one of those people. Let's take a look some of Wolf's... more

"Grillonomics" Is a Mess

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 07, 2013)

I asked reader "AC" who is from Italy but now lives in France for some comments on "Grillonomics".She replies ... Hello Mish,Your translation seems correct.It's quite... more

EU Calls Displays Economic Stupidity at its Finest

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 06, 2013)

The sheer stupidity out of nannycrats in Brussels is staggering. Smack in the midst of a depression, Brussels once again calls on Spain to hike taxes. Via Google translate... more

Car Sales Down in Germany, France, and Italy; The US is Next

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 05, 2013)

European bulls lauding the message "the worst is behind" received another dose of reality today. Data shows German car sales plunge as Europe's auto crisis deepens. New... more

Traffic Slump at Olive Garden, Red Lobster, LongHorn; Smaller Plates, Cheaper Items at Olive Garden

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 04, 2013)

High gasoline prices coupled with 2% payroll tax hikes is going to take a bite out of restaurant sales this year. For some chains the slump has already... more

China "Fully Prepared for Currency War" Says China's Central Bank Deputy Governor

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 03, 2013)

Given the world's central bankers are already in a currency war, a policy statement made by a deputy-governor of China's central bank should not come as a surprise... more

Reflections on the "Wage Recession"

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 02, 2013)

Jed Graham at Investor's Business Daily has an interesting chart showing Wage Recession Hits 5 Years; Worse Than Jobs Drought. I can show it's even worse, but first let's... more

Did president Obama tax the US into recession?

By Mike Shedlock (Mar 01, 2013)

Here's the question of the day: Did president Obama tax the US into recession?Trim Tab's Charles Biderman makes that exact claim in U.S. Entered Recession in January Yet... more

Nobody Can't See Nothin'

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 28, 2013)

As expected (in this corner but certainly not from economic cheerleaders masquerading as economists), eurozone retail sales are plunging across the board, even in Germany.... more

Youth Vote Propels Five Star Movement Into First Place as Largest Political Party in Italy

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 27, 2013)

By a very slim margin Beppe Grillo's Five Star Movement is the largest political party in Italy. Young voters and first-time voters are responsible (see comments from "AC"... more

No Coalition Possible in the Italian Senate

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 26, 2013)

La Republica confirms what we long thought highly likely: The Italian Senate is Ungovernable.A Senate majority takes 158 seats and no party has more than 123 at the moment.... more

Half of Detroit Properties Have Not Paid Taxes; Update on Detroit Bankruptcy

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 25, 2013)

The hollowing out of Detroit is nearly complete. All that's left is a bankrupt shell of a city with no services and scattered citizens that do not pay taxes. The... more

The Stressed Millennials- Screwed by Obama, the Unions and Generation Fed

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 24, 2013)

Those looking for a reason for sluggish housing, weak retail sales, and low family formations rates, need only look at the plight of millennials (those aged... more

Are Speculators to Blame for High Gasoline Prices?

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 23, 2013)

Given a two-day plunge in crude futures, gasoline prices may have hit a temporary peak.Nonetheless, consumers feel the pinch as pump prices have risen 34 straight days. For... more

Congress Demands Bernanke’s Exit Strategy

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 22, 2013)

In a long overdue, yet surprising move, Jim Jordan, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Economic Growth demands answers on Bernanke's exit strategy. Rep. Jim Jordan... more

Proof that Inflation Benefits the Wealthy

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 21, 2013)

In response to Top 1% Received 121% of Income Gains During the Recovery I received a couple of emails from readers that I would like to share.Reader "Gordon" wondered how... more

Even Labor Unions Are Opting Out of Obamacare

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 20, 2013)

Obamacare, officially known as the "Affordable Care Act", is quickly proving to be so unaffordable that neither businesses nor labor unions want anything to do with it.In... more

Where are All the Customers? And Where’s Their Money?

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 19, 2013)

Here's an interesting story from Friday regarding sales at Walmart that just came my way: Wal-Mart Executives Sweat Slow February Start in E-Mails. Wal-Mart Stores Inc.... more

G-20 Takes Harder Line on Currencies

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 18, 2013)

Japan is in the forefront of the news with ridiculous statements such as the sinking yen is a "Byproduct, Not a Focus" of its foreign trade policy. I have a... more

Top 1% Received 121% of Income Gains During the Recovery, But It's Not What You Think

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 17, 2013)

I have spoken many times about "income skew" during the recovery. However, I was never able to precisely quantify the "skew". It's now possible,... more

Income Skew During the Recovery

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 16, 2013)

I have spoken many times about "income skew" during the recovery. However, I was never able to precisely quantify the "skew". It's now possible, thanks to many readers who... more

Can People or Corporations Have Too Much Cash?

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 15, 2013)

Is it possible to have too much cash for your own good? I believe the average 7th grader would easily recognize the inherent absurdity of such a question. However, the... more

"Self-Inflicted Damage" Now the UK Goal; Inflation a "Cause For Optimism"

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 14, 2013)

Inflation is expected to run well above the Bank of England target rate of 2% for another two years in the UK. Don't worry it's a self-inflicted goal.Moreover, Inflation is... more

Common Plans, Coordinated Lies, and G7 Currency Statements

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 13, 2013)

Inquiring minds are investigating an amusing set of lies from the G7. At the top of the list is Group of 7 Will Let Market Decide Currency Values. Seven major developed... more

Cyprus "Radical Rescue" Proposal Proves Greece Not Unique

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 12, 2013)

Cyprus is about to prove what anyone with common sense already knew, that Greece will not be the only country requiring haircuts on sovereign bonds.Today the Financial... more

'Sequester' Fearmongering by Obama and Republicans

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 11, 2013)

Republicans don't want military spending and Democrats don't want cuts in social programs. The best thing to do would be doubling or tripling the cuts, but... more

Platitudes, Promises, and the Failed Pro-Union Policies of Illinois Governor Pat Quinn

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 10, 2013)

I received an interesting email moments ago from John Tillman at the Illinois Policy Institute, a non-partisan watchdog of the ongoing mess in Illinois. I traced the... more

Oil Consumption Analysis

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 09, 2013)

I have posted many charts by reader Tim Wallace that highlight declining oil consumption in the US.James Beck, Lead Analyst, Weekly Petroleum Supply Team for the Energy... more

Non-News of the Day: "Draghi Says Risks to Downside"

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 08, 2013)

Today's non-news that has the currency markets in a flux with a rising dollar and a sinking euro is a revelation by ECB president Mario Draghi that Eurozone Growth Risks... more

Balanced Budget? Lower Taxes? Anyone Believe this Will Happen?

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 07, 2013)

Government Executive reports House passes balanced budget bill. The House on Wednesday passed legislation that directs President Obama to submit a balanced budget plan to... more

Spoiled Brat Syndrome

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 06, 2013)

Here we are once again. In spite of $trillion deficits as far as the eye can see, neither Obama nor the Democrats want to do anything about it. Please consider Obama to... more

Robot Wars in China

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 05, 2013)

With increasing frequency I see articles on how robots are taking jobs once held by humans. Typically I batch a few of them up for comments, and I have a new set now.Last... more

Extreme Sentiment: Barron's Cover "Get Ready for Record Dow - We Told You So"; Top Call

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 04, 2013)

Looking for extreme sentiment?Look no further than the cover of Barron's magazine.The cover speaks for itself, but check out some of the commentary in New Highs in Sight... more

Obamacare in Action: Retail Workweek Hits 3-Year Low

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 03, 2013)

Hooray! The economy is adding jobs (supposedly). However, few look at the quality of the jobs, and whether or not they are part-time. Jed Graham has a nice post on Investor's... more

Last Hurrah for Jobs?

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 02, 2013)

The establishment survey reported a gain of  157,000 job this month.However, for the third consecutive month, the household survey is much weaker than the headline... more

Ten Reasons for Declining GDP Growth Over Time

By Mike Shedlock (Feb 01, 2013)

To compute "Real GDP" one has to adjust nominal GDP by a measure of inflation. Different measures of inflation provide different answers. Doug Short at Advisor Perspectives... more

A Look at the Fed-Sponsored Housing Bubble

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 31, 2013)

In the wake of rising housing prices a reader asked if I would revisit my March 2102 article How Far Have Home Prices "Really" Fallen. The reader specifically wanted an... more

China Averts Massive Bank Defaults

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 30, 2013)

The Chinese banking system is insolvent. Of course, the entire global banking system is insolvent, but today's spotlight is on China. Please consider China averts local... more

Failed Policies Continue Down Under

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 29, 2013)

It's time once again to take a look at happenings down under. Restaurants are closing en masse rather than pay double time and a half to stay open on holidays.Please... more

UK Headed for Triple Dip Recession? Impact on EU Exit Vote

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 28, 2013)

There is much talk of a triple dip recession in the UK. It depends on how you define it. If you call a recession two consecutive quarters of decline in GDP, with any... more

How to Debate Paul Krugman: "Ask Questions Like a Child"

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 27, 2013)

I received an interesting email the other day on debating Paul Krugman. I did a search on the topic and found a post with that exact name: How to debate Paul Krugman Paul... more

No Big Deal: Italian Bank Hid Derivative Losses

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 26, 2013)

When Mario Draghi (now ECB President), had oversight of the Italian bank system as Bank of Italy Governor, the Italian bank Monte dei Paschi di Siena (Italy's third largest... more

In Praise of Walmart

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 25, 2013)

Once again I am here to sing the praises of Walmart. Over the years I have done so on many occasions.Many misguided souls take the other side. They blame Walmart for ruining... more

Scandal or Savings?

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 24, 2013)

To the victor, belongs the spoils.Had former French president Nicolas Sarkozy won reelection, he certainly would not be under investigation for illegally funding his... more

Is this the Answer to the Rising Cost on Employers?

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 23, 2013)

The federal Minimum wage in the US is $7.25 per hour. Ten states have higher minimum wages with Rhode Island clocking in 50 cents higher at $7.75.Costs to the employer are... more

Where is the Breaking Point?

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 22, 2013)

Spanish banks have already shed 30,000 jobs in ins banking crisis. Another 20,000 cuts are due in 2013, along with pay cuts and reduced pension contribution. In response... more

Yen has Longest Stretch of Weekly Losses Since 1989

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 21, 2013)

Once again the spotlight is on the Yen. Please consider Japan Learned to Love Deflation in Wage Malaise Facing BOJ A decade and a half after Japan slumped into deflation,... more

Federal Court Upholds Wisconsin Law on Unions

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 20, 2013)

Those looking for excellent news in the midst of a clearly-souring global economy can find it in Wisconsin.I am pleased to report Federal appeals court upholds Wisconsin... more

The Worst Policy Speech That Never Took Place

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 19, 2013)

All ears in the UK were tuned into an event that did not happen. Cameron prepared another wishy-washy speech, postponed yet again today, this time because of a hostage... more

Social Security Cliff in Sight

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 18, 2013)

In response to my post Making Social Security Actuarially Sound in a Business-Friendly Manner I have been exchanging emails and phone conversations with Jed Graham at... more

ObamaMiles Tax Coming Soon

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 17, 2013)

Yet another "Trust Fund" is broke. This time, discussion involves an alleged "Transportation Trust Fund". As with Social Security, there is no "Transportation Trust Fund",... more

Over 25% of 401Ks Tapped to Pay Current Bills

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 16, 2013)

At an increasing rate, even during the alleged recovery, consumers are tapping their 401Ks to pay current bills according to a study by advisory firm HelloWallet as... more

Obama "No Ransom For Crashing Economy"

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 15, 2013)

I am pleased to report the debt-limit charade is progressing in order, right on cue, perhaps slightly ahead of schedule.In Trillion Dollar Coin Idea Dies Sudden Death;... more

4th Quarter GDP Estimate Reduced to .8% from 1.5%

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 14, 2013)

Holiday sales of electronics and toys plunged this past Christmas season. Also of note, JPMorgan lowered its annualized 4th quarter GDP estimates down to .8% from 1.5%.... more

Trillion Dollar Coin Idea Dies Sudden Death

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 13, 2013)

At long last, a stupid, as well as illegal idea dies on the vine. Bloomberg reports Treasury, Fed Oppose Using Platinum Coin to Avoid Debt Limit The U.S. Treasury... more

Muni Bubble Pop?

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 11, 2013)

On Wednesday, I posted a chart of US Treasury Yields asking the question Yield Curve: Where To From Here? Extreme Complacency in Face of Bernanke Shift.Today's focus is on... more

Reader Questions on the One Trillion Coin Proposal

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 09, 2013)

Several people asked me to comment on the $1 trillion coin proposal endorsed by New York Times columnist and Noble Prize winner Paul Krugman.I did so yesterday in a satirical... more

Startling Look at Employment Demographics by Age Group

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 08, 2013)

Last month I posted a chart showing employment by age group. Here is an update as of Friday's job release.Employment Demographics by Age Group click on chart for sharper... more

Fearing Hagel

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 07, 2013)

The Financial Time reports Hagel nomination expected this week. US President Barack Obama is poised to nominate Chuck Hagel as secretary of defence, setting the stage for a... more

US ETF Inflows Hit A Record $188B in 2012

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 06, 2013)

Index Universe reports US ETF Inflows Hit A Record $188B In 2012 Investors poured a record $188 billion into U.S.-listed ETFs in 2012, eclipsing a previous record of more... more

Everything You Need to Know About December Labor Stats

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 05, 2013)

Initial Reaction The establishment survey report of +155,000 jobs was about what most expected.However, beneath the surface, this report looks weak.The household survey... more

The Obamacare Hit to GDP

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 04, 2013)

I have seen Fiscal Cliff analysis written from two perspectives1. Republicans Caved In2. Democrats Caved InTheory number 1 (Mine and others) says Congress punted the ball... more

Tweet Irony: Crowd of Fools Cheers Obama

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 03, 2013)

Caroline Baum, one of my favorite Bloomberg columnists has an interesting article today that's worth a read.Please consider Wanted: Middle-Class Tweeters for White House... more

White-Flag Surrender on Cliff

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 02, 2013)

For all the pissing and moaning over the fiscal cliff, there was never much of a "cliff" in the first place. Worse yet, every delay made matters increasing irresponsible in... more

Gold Has Longest Streak of Annual Gains Since 1920

By Mike Shedlock (Jan 01, 2013)

Bloomberg reports Gold Extends Longest Streak Since 1920 on Central-Bank Stimulus. Gold rose, capping the longest annual gain since at least 1920, on renewed concern that... more