Which Firm Was the First Robinhood?

Similar to the goals expressed by Robinhood, long ago a major Wall Street firm focused on retail investors and also had its IPO.

The $4 Trillion Question

Although quantitative easing flooded the banking system with trillions of dollars, we are still debating how much it lifted the economy.

Why We Have a Christmas Tree Shortage

Christmas tree prices are up this year and supply is tight. The most likely causes are the Great Recession and the weather. A third possibility, though, is a bit less evident. This is the story: The Christmas Tree Supply Where?…

Not Quite a Goldilocks Recovery

To decide the strength of our economic recovery since the Great Recession, we can use seven numbers or just one that might be most important.

Some Federal Reserve (Gallows) Humor

In the 2009 transcripts, Federal Reserve humor brings smiles and memories of the dire condition of finance, housing and the GDP.

A Short Version of the Housing Crisis Story

Problems in the housing market frequently signal a contraction in the business cycle as they did through the subprime mortgage crisis.

Where Have All the Milkmen Gone?

Structural change in the economy involves new technology replacing old and eliminating jobs like milkmen, icemen, gas lamplighters and typists.

A New Cause of the Housing Bubble

In the 663 page report from the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission (remember them???), the 2000-2011 real estate boom and bust is blamed on relatively predictable conditions. Just glancing at their chapter titles and conclusions, you can see that they blame…