Best of the Moment
business-economics
middle-east
Felix Salmon | Barnes & Noble Review | 12 March 2010
"Probably the single best piece of financial journalism ever written", says Salmon, reviewing Michael Lewis's book on the banking crisis. Equally strong on financial detail, and on human dimension
Simon Johnson, Peter Boone | Baseline Scenario | 11 March 2010
Recent rally in Greek debt is a ramp. Greece will have to default unless it gets a lot more EU aid, dumps the euro, or runs a much more drastic austerity program. Preferably all three
Gary Gensler | Conference Speech | 9 March 2010
Regulator explains history and mechanics of CDS market, and its part in recent banking crisis. Argues for tighter regulation. Long, sometimes heavy going, but clear and not overly technical
Martin Wolf | FT | 9 March 2010
Germany's twin post-war objectives, sound money and European integration, now in conflict. Germany wants all EU to adopt German economic model, but that is logically impossible
John Kay | FT | 9 March 2010
To learn from your own mistakes, you must first acknowledge them. People who do that: Warren Buffett and George Soros. People who don't: Dick Fuld and Gordon Brown
Rachel Sanderson et al | FT | 8 March 2010
Excellent, shocking report. Investment banks sold derivatives contracts to unsophisticated Italian local authorities that wanted cash up front. Now the bill comes due, and it may hit $10bn
Simon Johnson | Baseline Scenario | 8 March 2010
US dealt with symptoms of banking crisis, not causes. Banks get bigger, regulation stays weak. Problem no longer "too big to fail". Banks will be too big to save when next crisis comes
John Cassidy | New Yorker | 7 March 2010
Treasury Secretary defends financial stability plan. Right not to nationalise banks. Economic recovery vindicates strategy. But politically costly. Obama was blindsided by health care
Adam Jones | FT | 5 March 2010
That rare thing, an interesting company profile, full of surprising detail. Addison Lee, London hire car company, takes on licensed black cabs by offering lowering fares, better service
Sophie Elmhirst | New Statesman | 5 March 2010
"Dead Aid" author says foreign-aid industry has not helped, may have retarded growth in Africa. Working on a new book about standard models of economic development