Economic Snapshots

Mass layoffs at highest level since at least 1995

While some businesses might let go of a couple of workers, many others are laying off entire divisions, or are simply going belly up. This week's Snapshot examines this recession's record-setting mass layoff trend. READ MORE

Germany protects jobs

Germany's unemployment has remained stable, thanks, in part, to their labor market policies. READ MORE

Honor thy father

The United States, along with Australia, are the only nations in a study of wealthy countries to provide no paid parental leave for fathers or mothers. READ MORE

Commencing unemployment

The latest unemployment data for young college graduates show that 2009 is the second worst year on record. READ MORE

Community banks: Small enough to fail

So far this year, 36 banks and savings institutions have failed, compared to 25 in all of 2008, and the number is almost certain to grow. READ MORE

Increases in minimum wage boost consumer spending

Two recent increases in the minimum wage will have generated an estimated $4.9 billion of consumer spending by July 2009. READ MORE

Employers can stall first union contract for years

A lack of real penalties for employers means that most new union shops won’t see an actual collective bargaining agreement for years. READ MORE

The myth of private-sector performance pay

Should teachers be forced into a pay-for-performance system when so few others are? READ MORE

No paid leave for new moms

The United States holds the distinction of being the only country among its peers that does not guarantee paid maternity leave. READ MORE

Unusually bad and getting worse

How does last quarter's GDP performance compare to the average for other recessions? READ MORE

Among college-educated, African Americans hardest hit by unemployment

The March 2009 unemployment rate for college-educated African Americans was 7.2%--almost twice as high as the white rate. READ MORE

It’s not academic: Why charter schools close

Fewer than 14% of closed charter schools were shut for academic reasons, refuting the claim that ineffective charter schools would lose students and be forced to close. READ MORE

Housing collapse drives up consumer bankruptcies

Personal bankruptcies rose more than twice as fast in states with declining home values. READ MORE

Transportation investments reduce income inequality

One benefit of public investment is that it helps push back against the trends that lead to wage inequality. READ MORE

Obama’s Budget Would Push U.S. into Socialism

As Politicians Rumble, Insiders Look Fearfully Over Obama’s Legacy. READ MORE

While economy burns, Europe fiddles

The largest European countries are skimping when it comes to stimulating their economies, leaving too much of the burden to countries like the United States and China. READ MORE

Growing share of Big-Three vehicles assembled in Mexico

From 2007 to 2008, the share of Big Three North American auto production occurring in Mexico rose. READ MORE

Caution: When Used as Directed, 401(k)s are Hazardous to Your Financial Health

Even by-the-book investors face risks in 401(k)s. READ MORE

Recovery package eases but does not eliminate job woes

Even with the recently passed stimulus package, most states will still have fewer jobs at the end of 2010 than they did before the recession began. READ MORE

Unions do not undermine international competitiveness

There is no clear correlation between unionization and international competitiveness. If anything, there might be a positive relationship between union coverage rates and a nation's current account balance. READ MORE