About this blog

Whether we like it or not, economics, and therefore money, is at the center of our lives. Much of what is seen and heard through the news is grim, at best. What does it all mean? How could this happen to the Greatest Country on earth? Weren't we taught that the "free market" could do no wrong, and that it could right itself? At times it appears that policy makers and citizens alike only talk about the economy when the apparent armageddon is near (hence the "contempt" in Econ-Tempt). While I am by no means a professional economist, hopefully I can help clear the air and encourage continued discussion about the role of the government, the free market, risk allocation, and the average citizen in today's increasingly confusing economic climate. Thank you for your support, and enjoy!

Disclosure: I wrote this blog and all posts myself (unless otherwise notated with hyperlinks/sources). All opinions are solely my own and not representative of my employer. I am not receiving any compensation for these entries, and I have no business relationship with any company or entity mentioned in this blog unless otherwise notated in a specific post. Personal portfolio disclosures will be made in blog posts if relevant.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Debt Ceiling: Is the US Government Still Threatened by a Downgrade?

In an article on thestreet.com, Robert Holmes tells the story of Jeffrey Sica, a money manager, and his politically unpopular view that Standard and Poor, the ratings agency, should make good on its threat to downgrade US paper, despite the debt ceiling deal reached today. This move would be nothing short of necessary for the ratings agency to retain its credibility, especially after a dismal track record of rating dangerous securities triple-A during the pre-recession MBS bubble. This statement resonantes with many Americans still frustrated with the trajectory of federal spending, many noting that no individual or corporation could possibly maintain access to cheap capital with anything close to the spending/revenue ratio we are currently seeing. While S&P has not yet issued a statement regarding this latest debt deal, the markets have reflected the continuing uncertainty felt by many regarding the recent revisions of the first quarter's GDP, and well as recalculations of inflation and manufacturing outputs. Treasury rates are also up, indicating bond investors are not yet willing to embrace "mission accomplished" on the debt problems plaguing the government. Could we be witnessing the decline of modern Keynesian Economics?

No comments:

Post a Comment