Irish Bank Nationalization

Wall Street Journal, March 31, 2011
Irish Banks Move Toward Nationalization

Mortgage Lending Regulations

Securitization of mortgages and other loans by US banks was a catalyst for the 2008 credit crisis. Subprime loan securities were innovative and compelling but the lack of credit risk modeling and regulation lead to a nationwide bank failure. The Dodd-Frank financial overhaul law addresses the lack of regulation in this area by imposing a 5% credit risk requirement on banks for securitized mortgages and loans. Additional regulation on down payment requirements and mortgage ratings are likely to follow.

Wall Street Journal, March 30, 2011
Regulators Unveil Mortgage-Lending Rules

Sovereign Debt Downgraded in Portugal and Greece

Wall Street Journal, March 29, 2011
S&P Downgrades Portugal, Greece

Socrates to Continue as Prime Minister of Portugal

Huffington Post, March 28, 2011
Uncertainty hastens Portugal's financial tailspin

Wall Street Journal, March 27, 2011

Portugal's Socrates Re-elected Party Leader

Turmoil in Syria and Jordan

New York Times, March 27, 2011

Tension and Grief in Syria After Protests and Deadly Reprisals

Unrest in Syria and Jordan Poses New Test for U.S. Policy

Home Sales

New York Times, March 26, 2011
A Housing Market Cycle Different From Others

Federal Reserve Press Conference Schedule

Wall Street Journal, March 25, 2011
Bernanke to Speak Out More to Explain, Bolster Policy