» Posted by Martin Weil on September 29, 2005

A September 28 Knight Ridder article discusses a growing concern on the part of several economic forecasters over the increasing risk of recession in the US economy.

As recently as a month ago, few analysts gave credence to the possibilities of a new recession in the US. But Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath have altered what was once a near-unanimous outlook for continued economic growth.

» Posted by Martin Weil on September 19, 2005

Catastrophes are relatively rare events, yet they have enormous consequences when they do occur.

Hurricane Katrina along our Gulf Coast has left the public wondering how government at all levels could have been seemingly so unprepared for a disaster that was not only predicted but for one that arrived with ample warning. Calamities in the financial markets rarely provide such luxuries.

Investors and the financial press, both here and abroad, are questioning whether our much-vaunted financial markets could sustain a disruption of similar magnitude without parallel consequences.

Without meaning to sound glib, my first reaction is "Alan Greenspan is no Michael Brown."

» Posted by Martin Weil on September 10, 2005

One Day's Pay is a "national nonprofit working to establish 9/11 as a National Day of Voluntary Service, Charity and Compassion." Visitors to their website can quickly identify volunteer opportunities in their local community. The organization is also actively recruiting volunteers to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

» Posted by Martin Weil on September 09, 2005

The American Red Cross' Disaster Relief Fund

This site has a more complete list of charitable relief agencies and other organizations accepting donations.

» Posted by Martin Weil on September 09, 2005

The macro conclusions are inescapable: A saving-short US economy that runs a massive current account deficit is effectively living beyond its means.

» Posted by Martin Weil on September 02, 2005

Economically speaking, Katrina is no 9/11. It may be much worse.

So writes Daniel Gross, economics writer for Slate magazine.

While the task at hand is still rescue and aid delivery in what is clearly the country's greatest natural disaster in our lifetimes, it is not too early to ask what the potential economic effects of Katrina might be. The short answer is "not good." Unlike the attacks of 9/11, the current catastrophe has immediate short-term and potentially significant longer-term economic repercussions.