» Posted by Martin Weil on August 31, 2006

I know each of us is under a lot of pressure to maintain our consumption in order to keep the economy growing. But this negative savings rate, going on now for more than a year, has to stop before someone gets hurt.

Chart and pointer from Calculated Risk.

» Posted by Martin Weil on August 21, 2006

CNN Online explores the growing trend of medical tourism - from dental work in Hungary (Yes) to organ transplant in China (No), with stops in Costa Rica, Brazil, Malaysia, the Philippines and India.

Interestingly, businesses are slowly starting to recognize the savings of having elective surgeries in these far-off locales and are reimbursing employees for the costs.

» Posted by Martin Weil on August 16, 2006

While I am still holding to the "slowdown" as opposed to "recession" thesis, the possibilities of the latter got a significant boost this week as the Homebuilders Confidence index (see prior post) slipped yet further to a level last seen just prior to the 1990-1991 recession. What would change my mind? The 10-Year Treasury would have to slip below 4.75. As of this AM, the 10-Year was at 4.88 and dropping rapidly.