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Verdict on Bernanke’s first press conference
When I published 鈥淲ho Shot Goldilocks?鈥� in 2004, I recommended that the Federal Reserve announce rate decisions by communicating in plain English at a press conference where the chairman could […]
The Teflon market
Stocks recently enjoyed their best first quarter since 1998, and begin April on an upbeat note. For the first quarter of 2011, the Dow closed up 6.9 percent, the S&P […]
Just when we thought it was safe to go out in the woods…
Recent indicators show the world economy is strong. The U.S. Institute for Supply Management index just hit a seven-year high. Aided by U.S. workers dropping out of the workforce, according […]
Slow economic recovery yields few jobs
The stock market is often regarded as a leading indicator of the economy. If so, the market is forecasting a bright future. The underlying economy has shown growth in profits […]
Low job growth casts doubt on recovery
The U.S. economy added fewer jobs than expected in November. The weakness in the jobs report 17 months after the recession officially ended is a vivid reminder that we have […]
Victory leads GOP to House control
In the 2008 election, Independent voters supported Democrats by an 18 percent margin. In the recent midterm elections, they favored Republicans by 15 percent, and with that shift, the Democrat […]
After the best September for equity markets in 71 years, what’s next?
The markets last month recorded their best September since 1939. That was the month that Germany invaded Poland to begin World War II. For the month, the S&P 500 gained […]
Is this recession the new normal?
Fear lingers as worry of a double dip fades. What can the Federal Reserve do? The past quarter brought numerous gloomy headlines. The specter of a double-dip recession, a depression […]
Global economy in second quarter not so good
What a difference a month makes. The market experienced a healthy start this year. The first quarter showed the S&P with a credible, 4.9 percent gain. A global recovery seemed […]
A third depression?
In a recent article in The New York Times, Nobel laureate Paul Krugman raised the specter of a third depression for the United States. A Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic […]
What caused the crash of 2:45 p.m.
On May 6, at 2:45 p.m., the equity markets in the U.S. crashed without warning. During a unique 17-minute period, the market suffered the largest intraday decline in market history. […]
A slow economic recovery puts more focus on elections
Last month’s column, “Is there any good news among the grim?,” cited several instances of progress on the economic front. April has brought more good news, among still grim employment […]
News
- $960,000 office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 10, 2026
- Two projects in historic districts in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 10, 2026
- Multnomah County commits up to $101.6M for Moda Center
- Portland code changes to take effect in November
- Los Colibris project approved for Portland’s OMSI District
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $9.9 million in top bidders | Aug. 7, 2026
- Oregon opens infrastructure grant program
- Ex-TV host claps back at Detroit officials in blight case
- 31-unit multifamily project in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 3, 2026
- $2.4 million office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 3, 2026
- Transportation commission weighs ODOT budget cuts
- Lam Research planning $1.7 billion investment in Tualatin
Commentary
- Beware of when the debt collector comes calling | Opinion
- Assembly of a future workforce begins with an invitation | Opinion
- Beware of overlooking legal requirements for remote workers | Opinion
- Become a critical thinker and transform a workplace | Opinion
- Managing construction risks with international suppliers | Opinion
- A rally with many engines: the lesson of 2026’s first half | Opinion
- Oregon housing challenges persist despite sound and fury | Opinion
- When does an employee’s bullying become harassment? | Opinion
- Ditch disorganization 鈥� the cost of deferred decisions | Opinion
- Consider 10 common risks for healthcare construction projects | Opinion
- Clarifying the reach of a law regarding prevailing wage | Opinion
- Adjust to legal changes now to ensure compliance later | Opinion
