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