From September 2008 to September 2009, employment declined in 329 of the 334 largest U.S. counties.
The U.S. average weekly wage fell over the year by 0.1 percent in the third quarter of 2009. This is the first time there has been an over-the-year average weekly wage decline for three consecutive quarters, and this decline is one of only five declines dating back to 1978, when these quarterly data were first comparable.
Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in March for the eighth consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 11th consecutive month.
In a recent column by Glenn Greenwald at salon.com, titled, Mike McConnell, the WashPost & the dangers of sleazy corporatism, Glenn explains the seamless movement between the overt American intelligence establishment, and the covert American intelligence establishment which I have come to refer to as the Financial-Intelligence Complex.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative has issued a report on foreign trade barriers. Contained within is no mention whatsoever of Chinese currency manipulation. There is mention of VAT manipulation, tariff-rate quotas and even a 35% tariff on raisins. (who knew?)
While the press is calling this report hard line, I find it kind of wimpy and even question some of the trade figures quoted.
The New York Federal Reserve has released details on toxic asset purchases from Bear Stearns and AIG, now held in Maiden Lane, LLC. The asset lists are at the link on the New York Federal Reserve website.
The release of this information today comes after reaching agreement on issues of confidentiality with JPMorgan Chase with respect to the assets of ML and the American International Group, Inc. (AIG) with respect to ML II and ML III.
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