U.S. Growth Slowdown a Concern

Wall Street Journal, May 31, 2011

Economists Downgrade Prospects for Growth

Memorial Day

Wall Street Journal, May 30, 2011
Obama Marks Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetary

Debt Ceiling Debates

Wall Street Journal, May 29, 2011

Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.): Medicare Overhaul Must Be Part of Debt Ceiling Deal

2012 Election Candidates

Wall Street Journal, May 28, 2011
Prominent Names Dip Toes in 2012 Race

Greece Ends Week in Tough Spot

Speculations in May 2010 projecting that Greek debt obligations would exceed the aid provided by the IMF-EU bailout fund by 2011 are proving true. This week ends a tough week for Greece as the country has rattled markets again with the possibility of bond defaults.

Greece’s greatest ally in its debt crisis has been the IMF, who led the structuring of the bailout agreement for Greece a year ago. Aid under threat from the IMF is a result of a potential debt restructuring which would ask bondholders to wait for their debt payments. Should Greece postpone those debt repayments, those bonds would become ineligible as collateral at the European Central Bank making its loan commitments insufficient for the IMF aid contribution on June 29.

Greece finds itself in a tough spot as it will be difficult for the country to raise additional capital from already distressed Eurozone countries who are weary to provide further investment. Next week’s review of Greece’s fiscal situation by the IMF, ECB, and participating Eurozone countries will determine the remaining aid program payments for the Eurozone country.

Wall Street Journal, May 27, 2011

Greece Aid Is Under Threat, Europe Finance Chief Says

Euro Falls on Debt Concerns in Greece

Debt concerns in Greece caused the euro to fall against most currencies yesterday. Specifically against the dollar, the euro traded at $1.4084 late Wednesday and is expected to continue hovering around the $1.40 mark.

Wall Street Journal, May 26, 2011

Greece Worries Damp Euro

New Phase in Greek Debt Crisis

Wall Street Journal, May 25, 2011
Europe's Split on Debt Crisis Hardens

Eurozone Debt Market Distress

Eurozone debt market distress carried over into equity markets pushing stocks down on Monday.

Wall Street Journal, May 24, 2011
Europe Sinks Markets

Debt Concerns in Italy and Belgium Cause Further Distress in the Eurozone

Wall Street Journal, May 23, 2011
Debt Fears Roil European Markets

The 2012 Republican Race

New York Times, May 22, 2011
Former Restaurant Executive Enters 2012 Republican Race

Greek Bonds

New York Times, May 21, 2011
A Downgrade by Fitch Leads to a Decline in Greek Bonds

World Oil Production

New York Times, May 20, 2011
Energy Agency Calls for Rise in World Oil Output

Greek Debt Restructuring

Wall Street Journal, May 19, 2011
Top European Bank Officials Urge Greece to Perservere on Fiscal Overhauls

Investment-Grade Bond Offerings

Wall Street Journal, May 18, 2011
Companies Rush to Borrow

Greek Debt

Wall Street Journal, May 17, 2011
Europe Ministers Wrestle Over Aid

U.S. Government Debt

Wall Street Journal, May 16, 2011
U.S. Acts to Keep From Going Over Debt Ceiling

Oil and Gas Drilling in the U.S.

New York Times, May 15, 2011
Obama Shifts to Speed Oil and Gas Drilling in U.S.

Treasury Prices Rise on Inflation Data

Wall Street Journal, May 14, 2011
Treasury Prices Rise on Inflation Data

U.S. Trade Deficit Data

Wall Street Journal, May 11, 2011
U.S. Trade Gap Widens

Greece Not Out of the Woods Yet

Wall Street Journal, May 10, 2011
Greek Woes Fuel Fresh Fears

10-Year Treasury Yields

The yield on the 10-year Treasury note has fallen to 3.16% but is expected to see gains following the Federal Reserve’s exit from the Treasury market in June.

Wall Street Journal, May 9, 2011

A 'Buy' Sign for Treasurys

Euro Wavers

New York Times, May 8, 2011
Greek Leader Irked by Speculation on Debt

Greek Debt

New York Times, May 7, 2011
Ministers Meet to Study Fixes on Greek Debt

Commodity Prices

Oil closed at its lowest price since mid-March yesterday, finishing the day at $99.80 a barrel.

Wall Street Journal, May 6, 2011

Commodity Prices Plunge

Debt Ceiling Debates

The GOP is calling for strict spending cuts to be put in place before agreeing to an increase in the debt ceiling. Their focus will likely be on decreased spending for defense programs and regulatory agencies as well as farm subsidies, food stamps, federal employee retirement, student loans and housing subsidies. Democrats would also like to see increased tax reforms in addition to decreased government spending.

Wall Street Journal, May 5, 2011

GOP, White House Talk Deal on Debt

Portugal to Receive $116 Billion from the EU and IMF

Portugal agreed to deal terms that would provide 78 billion euros in financing over three years from the European Union and International Monetary Fund. Stipulations include a required 2011 budget deficit of 5.9% of GDP. 

Wall Street Journal, May 4, 2011
Portugal Reaches Deal on Bailout

Treasury Prices

Treasury prices have increased this week following global current events and the Federal Reserve’s purchase of $7.24 billion in Treasurys with maturities between May 15, 2018 and Feb. 15, 2021.

Wall Street Journal, May 3, 2011
Treasury Prices Rise on Economic Anxiety

President Barack Obama Addresses the Nation

Wall Street Journal, May 2, 2011
President Barack Obama's Speech to the Nation

2012 Election Candidates

John Huntsman of Utah seems to be the leading Republican prospect for the 2012 presidential election. Other possible candidates include Mitch Daniels of Indiana, Sarah Palin, former governor of Alaska, Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, Gov. Rick Perry of Texas and Representative Paul D. Ryan of Wisconsin, the chairman of the Budget Committee.

New York Times, May 1, 2011
Republicans Are Pursuing a Wider Field for 2012 Race