
Richard DeKaser
Contributing Economist, The Kiplinger Letter
Trade Gap No Worry for Economic Growth

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Trade Gap No Worry for Economic Growth
Remember how a sharply widening trade gap in June sparked concerns about waning economic growth? Never mind.
September 10, 2010
Modest Gains in August Hiring a Good Omen

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Modest Gains in August Hiring a Good Omen
Look past the official count of job losses in August: Private employers are adding to payrolls.
September 3, 2010
Worries About Tomorrow Hold BackEconomic Growth Today

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Worries About Tomorrow Hold BackEconomic Growth Today
It may not be true that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself, but it’s certainly true that lack of confidence is reining in an economy otherw…
August 23, 2010
Fed Acknowledges Slower Recovery But Stays Confident 

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Fed Acknowledges Slower Recovery But Stays Confident
Federal Reserve policymakers change course only slightly after tipping their hats to disappointing data.
August 11, 2010
Dreary Unemployment Picture to Brighten

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Dreary Unemployment Picture to Brighten
Job losses in July were expected. The question is what’s ahead for the rest of the year.
August 6, 2010
The Fed's Options to Jump-Start the Economy

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The Fed's Options to Jump-Start the Economy
Odds are the second half of this year will bring brisker economic gains. But if recent sluggishness persists, with interest rates already at rock bott…
August 5, 2010
Congress to Weigh Options for Reducing Federal Debt
business
Congress to Weigh Options for Reducing Federal Debt
Hard choices on Social Security, Medicare, defense and taxes can’t be avoided much longer.
August 2, 2010
Pain of "Strategic Defaults" Real But Dwindling
business
Pain of "Strategic Defaults" Real But Dwindling
It can be hard to figure out what made a homeowner punt on their mortgage.
July 23, 2010
Financial Reform a Plus for the Economy
business
Financial Reform a Plus for the Economy
How a fatter cushion might make us all sit a little bit more comfortably.
July 22, 2010
It's Not Still a Recession (It Just Feels that Way)
business
It's Not Still a Recession (It Just Feels that Way)
Patience is hard but necessary. The economy is growing, albeit slowly.
July 19, 2010
Deflation Ahead? No Worries
business
Deflation Ahead? No Worries
Oil and gasoline prices are often the villain in inflation scenarios. This time, they’re making it look as if the deflation ogre is out of the cave.
July 16, 2010
China's Currency Move Eases Tension

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China's Currency Move Eases Tension
But doing more to raise the yuan's value and rebalance trade could create thousands of American jobs.
June 23, 2010
Deflation? We Could Take a Sip
business
Deflation? We Could Take a Sip
CPI drops have some alarmed. But falling prices are like booze: Fine in moderation, just not to be overdone.
June 17, 2010
Where the Economy Is Headed

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Where the Economy Is Headed
Stronger business spending and rising employment will help this recovery shake off worries about Europe.
June 14, 2010
Employers Get the Jitters
business
Employers Get the Jitters
Private firms will pick up hiring again in June.
June 4, 2010
Three Reasons for Optimism on Housing
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Three Reasons for Optimism on Housing
Don’t get buffeted by changing winds. The housing recovery is real.
May 27, 2010
Americans' Savings Down, Spending Up

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Americans' Savings Down, Spending Up
They said you'd changed, embraced a "New Frugality." But it turns out you're back at the mall.
May 20, 2010
April's Price Drop Doesn't Equal Deflation

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April's Price Drop Doesn't Equal Deflation
We see modest inflation this year — and next — as the economy recovers.
May 19, 2010
A Stronger Euro Zone Ahead
business
A Stronger Euro Zone Ahead
Both economically and morally, bailouts are bad news. But they have their place.
May 13, 2010
Strong Job Gains Signal Lower Unemployment Ahead
business
Strong Job Gains Signal Lower Unemployment Ahead
More of the jobless are looking again. By year-end, they should get better results.
May 7, 2010
What's Different About Obama's Debt Commission
business
What's Different About Obama's Debt Commission
A similar Bush effort disappeared without a trace. This time, reform stands a chance.
May 5, 2010
Fissures at the Fed
business
Fissures at the Fed
Policymakers are at odds over inflation. It's calm now, but how long can that last?
April 29, 2010
Stocks: Why Investors Can Still Expect 8% Long Term
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Stocks: Why Investors Can Still Expect 8% Long Term
You shun stocks at your peril. Attractive returns are in the cards.
April 27, 2010
Lessons from the Housing Bubble

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Lessons from the Housing Bubble
Easy money from the Fed was part — but not all — of the story.
April 14, 2010
The End of the Credit Crunch

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The End of the Credit Crunch
Access to business loans is about to get easier.
April 12, 2010
Business Spending to Fuel the Economic Recovery
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Business Spending to Fuel the Economic Recovery
Corporations have plenty of dry powder available.
April 2, 2010
Unemployment headed to 9.5%
business
Unemployment headed to 9.5%
An increase in employment in March is good news at face value. It’s even better news when you look more closely at the numbers.
April 2, 2010