Topic: Peter Morici

Five months of higher spending, six months of flat income

Personal spending rose 0.3 percent in February, the Commerce Department reported Monday. But US stimulus programs have not managed to boost household incomes.

Obama's export goals: Will China trade be a sticking point?

Unless the US-China trade gap is seriously addressed, some economists say, Obama’s goal of 2 million new trade-related jobs will be unattainable.

Can Obama generate 2 million jobs from exports? It won't be easy.

President Obama's State of the Union speech proposed a National Export Initiative to generate 2 million jobs from doubling exports over the next five years.

Obama can put brakes on big bank bonuses

With a little creative pressure, President Obama could put serious heat on banker bonuses without a long Congressional battle.

Banks too big to fail? Break 'em up, Congress.

Congress shouldn't let financial institutions get large enough to wreck the financial system. But questions abound about whether the Feds can be honest regulators.

Obama presses 'fat-cat bankers' to lend, but has no real leverage

President Obama on Monday urged top bank executives to increase lending to small businesses, citing the government bailouts they received last year.

Existing home sales fall unexpectedly

One possible reason for home sales' decline is a rising backlog of applications, the National Association of Realtors said.

ECONOMIC SCENE: China's investments pose a new global challenge

Within the next decade, China will become the world’s largest equities market.

Public wants health reform, but wary of 'Obama's plan'

Americans worry anything Washington comes up with will only raise costs.

How can US dig out from 9.5 percent unemployment?

The economy faces a climb to get back to full employment, but the worst job losses may now be in the rearview mirror. One indicator to watch for: a bump in average hours worked.

Who will pay for mounting federal and trade deficits?

Our children and grandchildren, yes. But the running trade deficit gets a little trickier.

Deal with creditors may let Chrysler veer out of bankruptcy

The automaker's future, dismal as of last week, is brighter as creditors agree to swap $6.9 billion in debt for $2 billion in cash.

Obama puts pressure on Chrysler

Is bankruptcy in store for the venerable carmaker?

What stimulus bill can, and can’t, do

The $789 billion plan cuts taxes and shores up safety net. But how long will its benefits last?

What it might take for the US to remain No. 1

Economists call for greater thrift, less dependence on foreign oil, and a closer watch on Wall Street.

Great recession? Mini-depression? What to call this crisis.

Obama pushes to redirect bailout

He aims to expand access to the remaining $350 billion in TARP funding.

Treasury keeps car loans flowing with $6 billion rescue of GMAC

GMAC's president says the federal money will have an immediate impact on the credit it can offer General Motors customers.

Congress near a Big Three deal, with strings attached

US automakers are likely to get $15 billion in federal loans, but lawmakers insist on industry restructuring.

Automakers' recovery plan: Get small.

Their CEOs visit Washington, trying a second time to win lawmaker approval for an auto industry bailout.

Geithner headlines Obama’s economic team of familiar faces

The New York Fed president is known for his insights on ‘90s international crises.

Obama's promises face a rough road ahead

A government mired in debt combined with a recession will make the path to recovery difficult for the president-elect.

As US shoppers retreat, can world thrive?

Consumers were the biggest engine of global growth. But indebtedness prevents that now.

Congress's financial rescue plan is first step

Democrats will use credit-crisis hearings this month as a springboard for more regulation next year.

How bailout deal will impact next president

A $700 billion US rescue of banks is not likely to crimp McCain's or Obama'sspending plans, at least in the short term.