Bank of Japan’s 1999 Zero-Rate Policy Triggered by Yield Surge

A jump in Japanese bond yields prompted the central bank to cut interest rates to near zero in 1999, according to policy meeting transcripts […]

Australian Building Approvals Rise Most in Four Years

Australian home-building approvals rose by the most in four years in June as government grants and the lowest borrowing costs in half a century […]

Japan Raises Regional Economic View for First Time Since 2004

Japan’s Finance Ministry raised its assessment of the regional economy for the first time in five years amid a recovery in exports and industrial […]

U.S. Economy: Consumer Sentiment Falls on Job Concern

Confidence among U.S. consumers fell in July for the first time in five months as mounting unemployment and stagnant wages shook households.
The Reuters/University […]

Vietnamese Trade Deficit Narrows Through July; Inflation Eases

Vietnam’s trade deficit narrowed, providing potential support for a currency hurt by concerns that stockpiling of dollars is making it difficult to pay for […]

Malaysia Says Exports to Bottom Later Than Expected

Malaysia’s exports will recover later than expected and won’t be past the worst for another “couple” of months, Trade Minister Mustapa Mohamed said today. […]

India’s ‘Unprecedented’ Deficit-Cut Plan Feasible, Adviser Says

India’s plan to cut the budget deficit next year by an “unprecedented” 1.3 percent of gross domestic product is possible, a senior policy adviser […]

U.S. Treasury Cancels Plan to Hire Humorist as Dorgan Objects

The U.S. Treasury was trying to bring a little levity to the workplace. Senator Byron Dorgan didn’t find that funny.
The department’s Bureau of […]

Europe Posts Trade Surplus in May as Imports Fall

Europe posted a trade surplus for a second month in May as exports declined less than imports.
Shipments from the 16-nation euro area fell […]

Tax the rich to pay for … everything?

There may be reasons to tax the rich more, as a lot of people in Washington are talking about doing.
But to raise taxes […]