Topic: Moody's Corporation

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A hard landing for China? Six top economists weigh in.

China's economy grew 8.9 percent last quarter, the slowest pace in 2.5 years, and on Monday Premier Wen Jiabao cut the nation's growth target for 2012 to 7.5 percent, an eight-year low. Worries of a Chinese hard landing, defined as a sharp and sudden deceleration in growth, have gained momentum. However, China has been proactive in its efforts to prevent a hard landing. It has fine-tuned its policies to curb inflation, boost domestic consumption, and prevent a housing bubble. The Chinese government intervened heavily from 1989 to 1991 to cool its economy, causing real growth in gross domestic product to plunge to 4.1 percent in 1989, from 11.3 percent the previous year. It stepped in again in 1993. And some argue that this time around it's no different, and that the government knows exactly what it is doing. So we asked six top China analysts whether they saw a hard or soft landing scenario and what we should keep an eye on.
Is Gary Johnson right about shovel-ready jobs? 5 infrastructure challenges.

Republican presidential candidate Gary Johnson scored a rhetorical winner by saying that his neighbor's dogs 'have created more shovel-ready jobs than this current administration.' But the one-liner doesn't settle the debate over infrastructure and the economy.
Home prices fall again: Eight keys to the housing market future

Five years after home prices peaked in the US, the housing market remains a weak link in the economy – an important sector that's still struggling to find its postrecession footing. What will 2011 bring? It could be a pivotal year when home prices bottom out and a more stable environment begins to emerge. Here is a look at the key issues affecting home buyers and sellers as we approach the spring real estate market.

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Facebook debut doesn't buoy stocks; Dow down 73

The Dow lost 73 points to close at 12369 on Facebook's big day. The index fell 3.5 percent on the week.
Stock market futures rebound as G-8 meet

Stock market poised to open higher as leaders of largest economies prepare to discuss Europe's debt crisis. Facebook shares also provide stock market lift.
Ina Drew retiring after JPMorgan losses. Will she get $14.7 million?

Ina Drew, at the center of JPMorgan's stunning loss, was among its highest-paid executives. Proxy statement says Ina Drew would be entitled to nearly $14.7 million if she met 'full-career eligibility.'
Euro debt crisis: Is Spain the new Greece?

Spain has become the focal point for Europe's debt crisis. But Spain isn't Greece. It's better – and worse.
Detroit teeters on brink of bankruptcy as state takeover looms

A state-appointed commission looking at ways to help Detroit avoid bankruptcy must deliver its report by Monday. A state takeover is a real possibility.
Bankruptcy jitters in Stockton. Will other cities fail?

Bankruptcy of Stockton, Calif., looms large as city enters talks with creditors. But most other troubled California municipalities are taking drastic steps to avoid bankruptcy.
A hard landing for China? Six top economists weigh in.

China's economy grew 8.9 percent last quarter, the slowest pace in 2.5 years, and on Monday Premier Wen Jiabao cut the nation's growth target for 2012 to 7.5 percent, an eight-year low. Worries of a Chinese hard landing, defined as a sharp and sudden deceleration in growth, have gained momentum. However, China has been proactive in its efforts to prevent a hard landing. It has fine-tuned its policies to curb inflation, boost domestic consumption, and prevent a housing bubble. The Chinese government intervened heavily from 1989 to 1991 to cool its economy, causing real growth in gross domestic product to plunge to 4.1 percent in 1989, from 11.3 percent the previous year. It stepped in again in 1993. And some argue that this time around it's no different, and that the government knows exactly what it is doing. So we asked six top China analysts whether they saw a hard or soft landing scenario and what we should keep an eye on.
Gas prices: How much will they hurt the economy? (+video)

Gas prices are slated to hit new highs within months. How might that affect the modest economic recovery? Here's a clue: Every 10-cent rise per gallon in gas prices costs the US economy $11 billion.
Gas prices force cash-strapped cities to get creative

How do cities stay on budget amid rising gas prices? No idling cop cars, shorter library times, and new garbage routes. But it's a delicate balancing act that could get tougher.
Stocks rally as Greek debt talks show signs of life

After losing for most of the day, the Dow rallied to close up four points at 12878 on late reports that suggested the unraveling Greek debt talks might be saved after all.
Mortgage relief plan: Can it spark housing rebound?

Mortgage relief aimed at trying to boost lagging housing sector. Most of the $25 billion mortgage relief will go to homeowners struggling to pay their mortgages.
Can American manufacturing really be cornerstone of economic revival?

For decades, the US manufacturing sector has shriveled, but President Obama now envisions it as an engine of a revived US economy. The basis of his optimism may be hopes for 'advanced' manufacturing.
The Vote
Unemployment rate: How low can it go by Election Day? Under 8 percent?

Though the unemployment rate dipped to 8.5 percent last month, it remains uncomfortably high for a president seeking reelection. Economists crunch the numbers to see if it's possible for unemployment to dip to 8 percent by Election Day.
2012 economic outlook: What's in store for next year?

With the housing market and auto sales showing some signs of life, pundits predict a better economy for 2012. But the ripple from a European downturn could erode the economic pace in the US.
Oil futures rise to near $95

Oil futures on Asian markets buoyed by regional stock market gains, hopes of better US economic data. Oil futures moved up 95 cents.
Stocks fall late, erasing midday gains

Stocks slid in late afternoon trading. The Dow lost 66 points Tuesday to close at 11954, after gaining as much as 126 points earlier. Stocks on the Nasdaq and S&P 500 also suffered losses.
Stocks creep higher after steep losses

Stocks calmed down after Monday's big declines. Stocks on the Dow gained 69 points by noon Tuesday.
Stock market drops as ratings agencies eye euro deal

Stock market falls sharply, with the Dow losing 162 points, after two big ratings agencies said the fiscal pact between European leaders would make little difference in solving the region's debt problems. Intel's lower fourth-quarter guidance dragged the stock market down further.
Tech stocks, market hit by Intel, Europe woes

Tech stocks fell on news that chipmaker Intel, a bellwether for tech stocks, cut its profit outlook. Moody's says it plans to review EU sovereign debt ratings, adding to the general market gloom.
Europe debt crisis: Germany denies 'elite' plan

Europe debt crisis solution would be joint-issued euro bonds. Germany denies reports that it has initial plans to solve Europe debt crisis with euro bonds issued by nations with triple A credit.
Stocks plummet as supercommittee fails

Stocks were sold in droves as the Congressional supercommittee failed to reach a deal to cut the deficit. The Dow turned negative, dropping 248 points to close at 11547. Stocks dropped even more sharply in Germany and France.
For US and global economies, debt is a four-letter word

It's hard to conclude anything else: Debt – owed by households, governments, and banks – lies at the heart of the economy's troubles. Even after two years of recovery, debt remains a big drag.
Stocks nosedive amid gridlock in Washington debt talks

Stocks plunge Monday as budget talks in Washington hit gridlock. The Dow average fell more than 300 points, with all 30 stocks losing value.
Unemployment claims dip. Job picture improving.

Unemployment claims: A slow decline signals the US economy is doing a little better. But unemployment claims need to fall further for a robust recovery in jobs.
Stocks take a hit after Fitch warnings on US bank exposure

The Dow dropped 190.57 points to close at 11905 after Fitch ratings released a report saying that US banks could be "greatly affected" if Europe's debt crisis continues to spread