Category Archives: Weekly Financial News

Pending Sales Show Housing Improvement

Posted on October 6, 2010 by Popular Economics Weekly

The Mortgage Corner   The NAR’s Pending Home Sale Index, a forward-looking indicator of existing-home sales, rose 4.3 percent to 82.3 based on contracts signed in August from 78.9 in July. The data reflects contracts and not closings, which normally … Continue reading →

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The Recession is (Really) Over

Posted on September 22, 2010 by Popular Economics Weekly

Popular Economics Weekly The Great Recession is officially over. We really can breathe a sigh of relief—even though job formation is just now picking up, while major segments are still stagnating; such as real estate, and motor vehicle production. But … Continue reading →

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The Jobs Are Coming

Posted on September 4, 2010 by Popular Economics Weekly

Popular Economics Weekly The August unemployment report supported both sides of the stimulus debate. Democrats said it showed more stimulus was needed, while Republicans said employers were holding back because of too much government—too many regulations and a soaring deficit … Continue reading →

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When Will Real Estate Recover?

Posted on August 28, 2010 by Popular Economics Weekly

The Mortgage Corner Ah, that is the $64,000 question we have been asking since 2008, when housing imploded. Where are conditions improving, if anywhere? The Fed announced it would continue to hold down interest rates, and loan modifications are helping … Continue reading →

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Beware of Extraordinary Times

Posted on August 24, 2010 by Popular Economics Weekly

Popular Economics Weekly Yes, Beware of Extraordinary Times is a much used saying these days.  It also applies to the extraordinary polarization of ideas in the economics profession at present. This is an election year, of course, which has distorted … Continue reading →

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Housing Affordability Still at Highs

Posted on August 21, 2010 by Popular Economics Weekly

The Mortgage Corner Bolstered by favorable interest rates and low house prices, housing affordability remained near its highest level nationwide for the sixth consecutive month since the series was first compiled nearly two decades ago, according to the National Association … Continue reading →

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What is the ‘New Normal’?

Posted on August 8, 2010 by Popular Economics Weekly

Popular Economics Weekly There has been much talk of late about the “new normal” of slower economic growth that we may see in coming decades. It is defined by bond trader PIMCO’s Bill Gross as what he calls declining global … Continue reading →

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What is the ‘New Normal’—Part II?

Posted on August 8, 2010 by Popular Economics Weekly

Popular Economics Weekly Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke is sounding more optimistic these days. What is behind his optimism that seems to counteract the “New Normal” predictions of bond traders such as PIMCO and other fiscal conservatives who fear massive debts … Continue reading →

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Is Pent-up Demand Growing?

Posted on August 3, 2010 by Popular Economics Weekly

Financial FAQs We are now hearing that pent up demand is growing as the economic recovery takes its time. What is it, and what would it mean for an earlier recovery? Fed Chairman Bernanke mentioned that ‘demand’ could grow in … Continue reading →

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Why Does The Fed Hesitate?

Posted on July 23, 2010 by Popular Economics Weekly

Popular Economics Weekly Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke just gave his semi-annual report to Congress, and it looks like Bernanke and his Federal Reserve Governors continue to be cautious in advocating more stimulus.  He said that the Fed had more ways … Continue reading →

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