South By North Strategies, Ltd.

Midweek Humor

Over the course of the recession, the public radio shows This American Life and Planet Money have created some of the most interesting (and entertaining) reporting on the American economy. The clip below, taken from the recent episode Inside Job, captures many of the behaviors that wrecked havoc on the financial sector and the larger economy.

Around the Dial – April 27

Economic policy reports, blog postings, and media stories of interest:

• The New York Times reports on the effects of the home buyer tax credit.
• Dean Baker warns against argument by authority.
• EPI looks at the tie between budget deficits and interest rates.

Homeownership Rates

Calculated Risk analyzes the newest homeownership data and note that the homeownership rate has fallen to its lowest level since early 2000.

Job Losses During Recessions

A new policy brief from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) summarizes the existing research on job losses during recessions and provides an overview of major federal programs designed to help the unemployed. The figure below places some current unemployment trends in historical context.

Around the Dial – April 26

Economic policy reports, blog postings, and media stories of interest:

• Robert Frank explains hidden private-sector payroll taxes.
• Paul Krugman berates the raters.
• Econbrowser graphs the evolution of the housing bubble.
• Calculated Risk summarizes last week’s housing data.