economic policy

Obama's Economy, By the Numbers

With an eye toward capturing some snapshots of the economy before and after the advent of Obama, DailyFinance has compiled the following index of stats relating to jobs, housing and business. Take a look in advance of tonight's debate on domestic policy.

The Presidential Debates: What Do YOU Want to Hear?

Wednesday, Oct. 3 brings the first of the presidential debates, this one focused on the economy. So what do you hope to hear from Barack Obama and Mitt Romney? Does the debate matter to you? We want to hear what you think.

Are You Happy? Ben Bernanke Wants to Know

The Federal Reserve chairman said Monday that gauging happiness can be as important for measuring economic progress as determining whether inflation is low or unemployment high.

Obama Wants Small-Business Bill This Year

Seeking cooperation in a polarized climate, President Barack Obama called on Congress Tuesday to act quickly on bipartisan measures that would extend tax breaks for small businesses and help startup companies raise money. He said he would sign the legislation "right away."

The Sorry State of America's Wage Earners

Everyone knows that the typical American household has been running in place or falling behind financially, thanks to stagnant wages and rising prices. But a new study from the the Economic Policy Institute shows that the problem has been endemic not for years, but for decades.

Spin, Not Substance, Is Just What Investors Need Now

With the economic recovery gaining steam, President Obama's State of the Union address -- and the GOP response -- should be seen as a shift to a less activist approach. Feel-good rhetoric may be wiser than heavy-handed policies that could easily backfire.

Post-Elections, Roubini Sees a 'Fiscal Train Wreck'

The noted economist writes in a Financial Times editorial that Obama did plenty to stave off a depression. But his administration is already too timid about further stimulus, and once the GOP gains power in Congress, the policy prescriptions will become even more feeble.

Will Jeff Immelt Be Larry Summers' Replacement?

In theory, the role of the director of the White House National Economic Council is to present the president with an unbiased range of economic opinions. Larry Summers didn't do that -- he promoted his own views instead. But what will his successor do -- and will it make any difference?

'Dr. Doom': 40% Chance of a Double-Dip

Economist Nouriel Roubini, known for his dire predictions about the economy, is once again living up to his nickname "Dr. Doom." Due to continuing economic troubles, Roubini pegs the chances of a double dip recession at 40%.

Romer Resigns: A Chance to Reset Economic Policy?

The departure of Christina Romer as chair of President Obama's Council of Economic Advisers ought to prompt a rethink of U.S. economic policy -- but it won't, even though Friday's jobs numbers showed tepid progress on creating jobs for the millions put out of work by the recession.

Is Christina Romer Out as Chief Economic Adviser?

Christina Romer is reportedly leaving the White House as Chair of the President's Council of Economic Advisers. Is she taking the fall for an unemployment rate that has remained stubbornly high?

Stimulus Spending: Less Argument, More Action

The academic tussle over stimulus spending is a sign that the Establishment has run out of ideas about how to turn around a limping economy. America needs effective policy responses now -- not a raging battle in ivory towers.

Misguided Bullying of German Economic Policy

It's hard to top American politicians when it comes to strong-arming other countries about economic policy. The G-20 summit, which featured a showdown between the opposing American and German camps, offers the latest vivid example.