One of the most common examples brought forward by those who oppose the abolition of governmental regulation of consumer products is that of the automobile. The rationale for the objection is that the automobile is the most expensive and complex consumer product that most will buy in a lifetime. ... Read more

From the BLS report on the Consumer Price Index this morning: The rent index decreased 0.1 percent, the index for owners' equivalent rent [OER] was unchanged ... The rent index decreased at a -1.3% annualized rate, and OER declined in three of four ranges (only the Northeast Urban Region saw an in ... Read more

Here is what it means... Basically this ratio had better find support right here at the SMA 50 or I am going to once again cover the silver short in ignominy and let gold and silver miners ride naked and free. Here is what else it means... unless gold can establish dominance in the short term ( ... Read more

From the Kudlow show... Rick Santelli recalls Paul Volcker thusly: "I can't remember the exact quote but when I used to trade and Mr. Volcker was Fed chairman, he said something like 'gold is my enemy, I'm always watching what gold is doing', we need to think why he made a statement like that. If yo ... Read more

From the American Institute of Architects : Index remains in negative category despite improvement Amidst a continued high level of inquiries for possible new projects, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) reached its highest mark since August 2008, just before the serious credit problems emerged ... Read more

Click on graph for larger image in new window. Total housing starts were at 529 thousand (SAAR) in October, down 10.6% from the revised September rate, and up from the all time record low in April of 479 thousand (the lowest level since the Census Bureau began tracking housing starts in ... Read more

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From the LA Times: California faces a projected deficit of $21 billion Less than four months after California leaders stitched together a patchwork budget, a projected deficit of nearly $21 billion already looms, according to a report to be released Wednesday by the state's chief budget analyst. ... Read more