Search

Focuses on how much of gains New York City made during the economic boom of the 1990s has been lost due to the economic downturn that followed. Comparison of the number of jobs in New York City in May 2003 and at the peak of the boom, indicating a drop in jobs; Other statistics related to unemployment and what segments of the population are experiencing it; Comments form James Parrott, chief economist for the Fiscal Policy Institute, suggesting individuals are worse off in 2003 than prior to the expansion of the 1990s.

Examines how Ireland's economic boom has left the country with some of the highest prices in Europe. Inflation details; How the change has been across the board, from groceries and clothing to services and utilities; Social and economic impact of price increases on the country; Housing prices; Complaints of consumers; Tourism industry; Views of analysts regarding Ireland's period of runaway inflation; How businesses in Ireland are also feeling the impact.

Examines the stability of Japan's economic recovery in 2004. Basis of market analysts' uncertainty about the future economic prospects of the country; Contribution of China's economy to the Japanese economic expansion; Questions whether Japan can continue to grow based on domestic consumer-led demand.

Examines China's economy and suggests that China may be in a bubble regarding investments. Reference to economic bubbles in Japan, Thailand and Indonesia; Overview of China's economy; Possible implications of a sharp economic slowdown for China; Concerns of the Chinese government; Effort to dissuade banks from reckless lending; China's role in the global economy; Prediction of economists that growth will slow; Risks of a slowdown to China and the world; Discussion of business-cycle-, protectionism- and financial-risks; Role of President Hu Jintao; Issue of political instability; Outlook.

Discusses the likelihood that U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan will reduce the benchmark interest rate for the 13th time. Concerns of the Federal Reserve over the slow pace of economic expansion; Greenspan's approach; How economists and investors are divided over the size of the cut; Focus on encouraging business and consumer spending; Outlook for a rate cut despite positive economic indicators, including a rally in stock prices; Potential for deflation; Possibility that the economy is near a turning point.

Discusses the ability of Australia to continue its economic expansion while other industrialized countries struggle. Prediction that Australia's economy will expand by 3 percent in 2003; Observation that Australia has gone longer without a recession than at any time in its history and that it has exceeded the U.S.'s longest recorded expansion from 1991 to 2001; Speculation about the causes for the expansion; High levels of disposable income for residents in Australia; Concerns about how a war between the U.S. and Iraq could affect Australia.