Topic: U.S. Department of the Treasury

What does a $1.2 trillion budget deficit look like?

It would buy 4.8 billion Wiis. As a standard mortgage, it would cost $6.7 billion a month.

Obama pushes to redirect bailout

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

Bernanke wades into economic policy muddle

Mutual funds: A long climb to recovery?

2008 battered investor portfolios. Here's why they can expect better results in 2009.

Obama inherits $1.2 trillion deficit – even before new stimulus

President-elect strikes tone of fiscal prudence by appointing efficiency officer.

Credit crunch shows little sign of easing

Most banks have tightened lending, choking off needed credit for some US businesses.

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.

Bailout may cost trillions ... or not

Even if it adds up to $8 trillion, the final cost will be lower as US sells the assets it's now buying.

The words we need for the state we're in

On reflection, the Monitor's language columnist decides that bailout isn't a bad choice after all for 'Word of the Year.'

Opinion: How we're tying up terrorists' cash

Almost all illegal activity relies on access to the financial system. By blocking that, we block them.

The Fed's big rate cut: what impact?

The lowest rates in more than two generations won't end the recession soon, but analysts see many benefits.

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about retooling the UN Human Rights Council; why auto suppliers need a bailout, too; the Federal Reserve's role in creating the housing bubble; and barring illegal workers from US jobs.

Tough line on auto bailout may extend to other industries

Congress's rescue of financial institutions may prove the exception, as automakers learned last week.

Solutions to the nation's housing bubble still up in the air

Homes are still overpriced by $8 trillion. Is 'tough love' the answer?

USA

Opinion: The dangers of Obama's public-works juggernaut

Given the risks, it'd be wiser to let economic nature take its course.

The Monitor's View: Obama's dependence on China

To create US jobs, he'll need to make sure Beijing doesn't rev up its export machine.

Uncertain impact of US push to cut mortgage rates

While Treasury mulls help to the best borrowers, Bernanke urges aid to those facing foreclosure.

USA

Opinion: With a little help from Congress, homeowners could come to their own rescue

Congress should change the rules and let homeowners break into their retirement funds.

Citigroup bailout doesn't calm jitters over 'toxic' assets

Rescue plan leaves troubled mortgage-backed securities on bank's balance sheet.

US Treasury and the Fed: too close for comfort?

Some economists have reservations about recent moves to rescue the economy.

US unveils new $800 billion plan to loosen credit

The money will go to unfreeze mortgage and consumer lending.

USA

Citi's woes reflect depth of crisis

The bank's struggles suggest government measures have not stemmed market uncertainty.