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Bernanke Tries to Soothe GOP
The Fed chief told the House budget panel the prospect of high unemployment and low inflation continued to justify the central bank's controversial purchases of government bonds.

Property Levy Called Taxman's Best Option
Property taxes are the best way for governments to raise the extra revenue they need to reduce their debts without hurting growth, according to a group of OECD economists.
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Bond Rating Drop Ignites Pension Fight
Credit-rating firm Standard & Poor's downgraded New Jersey one notch, citing the state's poorly funded pension system and "above-average" debt levels.
German Shuns Top Euro Bank Job
German Bundesbank President Axel Weber is no longer seeking the presidency of the European Central Bank, euro-zone officials said, throwing the race for Europe's top monetary position into disarray.
- Next for Weber: Deutsche?
- Heard on the Street: Keep Calm and Carry On
- MarketBeat: Departure Good for Gold?
- The Source: Who'd Be a Central Banker Now?
- Central Bank Watch
Germany's Current Account Surplus Expands
Germany's current account surplus in 2010 rose to $177.09 billion, or 5.2% of estimated national output, according to figures released by Destatis.
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House GOP Fears States 'Crisis'
House Republicans said they are concerned of a "looming fiscal crisis" in state and local finances but ruled out any federal bailouts for states.
- New Jersey Is Downgraded by S&P;
- Deal Journal: Analysis of muni-bond hearing
- Gay Marriage as State Budget Fix?
- In Muni-Bond Ills, Danger and Hope
- Graphic: Muni-Market Woe
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ECB's Noyer: Stress Tests Must Be Credible
Europe will need more sweeping stress tests for its banks in the future to restore investors' faith in the process, Bank of France Governor Christian Noyer, who sits on the European Central Bank's governing council, said.
Inflation Worries Spread
Inflation jitters spread through emerging markets, prompting China's central bank to raise interest rates for the third time in four months amid worries that a drought threatening the country's wheat crop will put further pressure on global food prices.
- News Hub: China Raises Interest Rates
- Central Bank Watch
China Looks to Boost Grain Production
China's government outlined farm subsidies and other new support aimed at encouraging grain production as the country braces for the possibility of a weak wheat crop that could further exacerbate a global food inflation scare.
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U.K. Trade Deficit Hits Record
The U.K.'s trade deficit grew to its biggest on record in December, as unusually severe weather hit export activity but imports were boosted by a surge in aircraft bought from overseas.
Fitch Warns of Stagflation Risk
A combination of fiscal consolidation weighing on growth and higher inflation means that the risk of so-called "stagflation" in the U.K. and the euro zone has increased, Fitch Ratings said.
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In Muni Bonds, Danger and Hope
Layoffs Down but Hiring Slow
U.K. to Aid Businesses
Cost of Feeding World's Poor Leaps
In Brazil, Inflation Haunts Officials
German Industrial Output Slips
Cash Buyers Lift Housing Market
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China Demand Lifts U.S. Wood Sales
High-Tech Effort in U.K. a Key Test
Report Urges G-20 Overhaul
Data Point to U.K. Rebound
Japan Posts Larger Surplus
Moody's Zandi: Replace Fannie, Freddie With Public-Private Hybrid
Credit-Card Debt Up for First Time Since 2008
German Manufacturing Orders Fall

Real Time Economics

Q&A;: Ken Rogoff Says Crises Are Like Heart Attacks, Predicting Timing Is Tough
We speak with Kenneth Rogoff about how he sees the world faring in the wake of the latest financial crisis -- and solicit some advice on exchange rates.
NY Fed Official: Bond Buying Hasn't Compromised Treasury Market
The Treasury market continues to function normally despite significantly sized bond buying by the Fed, a key central bank staffer said Wednesday.
Women Likely to Continue Outpacing Men in Education
Young women are outpacing men in educational attainment and there's little sign males will make up ground any time soon.
Bernanke Presents Grim Metrics for Job Growth
Geithner Offers Optimistic Outlook for Recovery
Advocates Push Gay Marriage as State Budget Solution
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Columns

The outlook
By Staff
Commercial Real Estate Coming Back, but Unevenly

Capital
By David Wessel
Big Issues the Budget May Miss

Capital

Big Issues the Budget May Miss
When Barack Obama's budget arrives on Monday, look for responses to two issues: The budget is on an unsustainable course, and the economy isn't growing fast enough to bring down unemployment and raise incomes.
- Video: This Budget Can't Afford Side-Steps
Commercial Real Estate Coming Back, but Unevenly
Commercial property took less of a drubbing than residential real estate in the recession but still faces a long and painful recovery.
Labor Shortage Persists in Some Fields
Companies are starting to hire again, but finding highly qualified applicants for more technical positions is proving a challenge for some firms.
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Strong Growth Has Its Drawbacks
Strong economic growth should, in theory, make the U.S.'s problems easier to solve. In reality, it often fosters complacency and allows officials to avoid unpalatable choices.
Trichet Battling a Knotty Problem
Jean-Claude Trichet is doing a fair imitation of a pretzel. The European Central Bank's president is having to tie himself in knots to square euro-zone monetary policy.