deflation

Noted economist Gary Shilling just released a new book, The Age of Deleveraging, in which he explains why inflation isn't what investors should be fearing, but rather deflation. He also recommends 10 investments investors should now make. [Video]

The Fed says it expects the U.S. economy to grow weakly in both 2010 and 2011, with as many as six years needed to return unemployment to normal levels.

It's been a wild ride. The Dow Jones is clocking in at above 11,000 these days. Just 20 months ago, in early March 2009, the index hovered around the 7,000s. Given the volatility, it's not surprising we average investors are skittish about entering or re-entering the market. We should be nervous,...

When the economic gurus at the Fed move the levers of U.S. monetary policy, they do so with two often-conflicting goals in mind: promoting maximum employment and keeping prices stable. Many critics are now arguing that that Fed should focus solely on prices.

Manufacturing activity in the mid-Atlantic region unexpectedly surged in November. The Philly Fed's Business Outlook Survey index jumped to 22.5 in November from 1 in October, its highest reading since December 2009.

While everyone hates inflation, deflation has instant emotional appeal: Who doesn't like a bargain? But deflation is a far more serious economic problem than inflation -- and, as we found, most folks don't really know why. Do you? If not, no worries: Economist Gary Shilling will explain the reasoning. [Video]

The nation's struggle to prevent deflation is apparently only just beginning. The 12-month core rate (excluding food and energy prices) fell to a record low 0.6% from 0.8% in September. Clearly, the Fed has more work to do.

ING Investment Management forecasts that stock markets will rise between 8% and 12% in 2011, thanks to a low-inflation, low-interest environment supported by the Fed, despite weak GDP growth. And for those looking for to increase their investment yields, they have a few suggestions.

Producer prices rose less than expected, with much of the hike coming from energy. Excluding food and energy, PPI fell 0.6% in the month. Overall, wholesale prices are up just 1.5% in the past year -- still too close to deflation for the U.S. Federal Reserve.

The seemingly symbiotic relationship between the China and America -- dubbed Chimerica -- is now clearly chimerical. What was once billed as the ideal partnership is quickly turning into a competition for global influence. Investors, beware.