Topic: Balance of Trade

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Hu Jintao in America: 7 questions about the Chinese president's visit

Hu Jintao, the Chinese president, arrives in the US for a summit with President Obama. Among the issues on the docket for Obama and Hu Jintao: Chinese currency, economic trade, and human rights.
The G20's top points of contention

The Group of 20 faces a lot of heat each time it gathers. Streets swell with protesters and clashes with police often end in property damage and violence. But the contention doesn’t end at the doors to the meeting rooms. Within the G20, there are some significant divides on key trade issues.

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Stefan Karlsson
The case for a German value added tax

The continuing eurozone crisis has economists debating the case for a value added tax, or whether or not the German surplus be reduced without reducing (and preferably in fact increasing) German incomes.
In Brazil, a showdown over rainforest deforestation

Brazil's president is scheduled to sign a reform package today that could retroactively legalize the deforestation of millions of acres in the Amazon.
Stocks surge, led by Hewlett-Packard

In a surge spearheaded by a big gain by Hewlett-Packard, the Dow Jumped 181 points to close at 12986, snapping out of a five-day slump.
Greece should follow Argentina into default and devaluation

European policymakers want to avoid Greek default and keep Greece in the eurozone. However, Argentina’s decision to devalue its currency and default was the right one. It was the only step that offered a way out of the crisis facing the country. Greece should do the same.
Stefan Karlsson
China's economy slowing? Not much.

China doesn't seasonally adjust its trade numbers, so swings month to month can be misleading.
Stefan Karlsson
Why the economy needs a strong service sector

A nation's economy doesn't have to be wholly reliant on manufacturing, and service sector jobs are a strong indicator of an economy's health.
WTO chief Pascal Lamy: World must change the way it measures trade flows

It is economic nonsense to continue to calculate bilateral trade balances – like those between the US and China – the way we do today. What we need to monitor is the effective added value in each country, not the overall value of goods and services imported and exported.
As red ink flows, Japanese firms struggle to keep manufacturing at home

Japan's manufacturing base is hollowing out as many electronic and car factories move overseas. Meanwhile, a strong yen is sending firms on an international buying spree.
On the Economy
What came first, income stagnation or inequality?

Inequality growth doesn't necessarily imply stagnation, especially if the upper income brackets are enjoying disproportionate growth
Europe debt crisis: Some fixes will take years

Europe debt crisis requires immediate changes for eurozone. But Europe debt crisis has revealed deeper flaws that will be harder to fix.
Unemployment benefits, trade data point to improvement

Unemployment benefits claims dipped by 1,000, just below expectations for unemployment benefits claims. Trade balance report confirms US avoided third-quarter recession.
China to US on currency bill: I wouldn't do that if I were you

The US Senate passed a currency bill that would punish countries that subsidize their exports by maintaining an artificially low exchange rate. China called such a law a 'lose-lose' for both sides.
Senate slap of China a sign that patience is wearing thin on trade

With jobs at a premium in the US, senators from states hard-hit by job losses to Chinese manufacturing passed a bill to sanction China for manipulating its currency.
The New Economy
With manufacturing plan, Obama misses the bigger picture

President Obama's manufacturing program ignores the import threat that's destroying US jobs and innovation.
Stocks snap six-day losing streak; VIX falls

The Dow gained about 75 points, as stocks closed higher for the first time in June
The New Economy
Outsourcing isn't free trade with China. It's a free ride for China.

Outsourcing by multinationals to China allows Americans to buy cheap goods. But outsourcing is not creating a boom in US exports or jobs.
Stocks end sharply lower as oil prices tumble

After rising more than 75 points on Tuesday, the Dow dropped 130 points on Wednesday
Stefan Karlsson
Why the rising trade deficit? Blame it on a weak dollar.

The US trade deficit is the highest it has been in more than two years, and a weak US dollar won't solve the problem
The Daily Reckoning
Every boom will bust. Even China's.

China may be experiencing the greatest boom in history, but that doesn't mean it's immune from busting
Stocks close lower amid falling oil prices

Stocks and commodities fall sharply, after Goldman warns of substantial pullback in oil prices. Dow loses 117 points.
Cost of US 'free' trade: collapse of two centuries of broadly shared prosperity

A reckless free-trade policy is destroying America's jobs machine. We must return to a policy of strategic, not unconditional, economic openness.
Q and A with US Trade Representative Ron Kirk

US Trade Representative Ron Kirk discussed the importance of trade in today's economy, reports that he will be named Commerce Secretary, and whether growth of China's trade with Latin America is a threat at a March 10 Monitor lunch.
Stocks plunge amid widespread global jitters

Dow sees biggest drop in seven months and falls below 12,000. European stocks drop to lowest level of the year.
US 'well ahead' of pace needed to double exports, US trade rep says (video)

US Trade Representative Ron Kirk says the country is on track to double exports over a five-year period – a target laid out by President Obama.
Stocks tumble. Dow down nearly 170 points.

US stocks tumbled at midday after reports about a trade deficit in China and weak jobless claims in the US.