French court gives go ahead for Hollande’s 75% tax (Dec 2013)

Source: Daily Mail – French court gives go ahead for Hollande’s 75% tax

Notable excerpts:

France’s highest court today gave Francois Hollande the green light to introduce a top tax rate of 75 per cent.

After the Taper: The Fed’s Non-Plan Is Unchanged

Source: Mises.org – After the Taper: The Fed’s Non-Plan Is Unchanged

As an economist, it is getting more difficult to understand the logic underlying current monetary policy in the U.S. There are two main channels by which economists think monetary policy can influence growth and employment. The first is to lower interest rates to spur investment and consumption spending. The second is to induce inflation so real wages drop, spurring output and employment.

Fed Seen Tapering QE in $10 Billion Steps in Next Seven Meetings (Dec 2013)

Source: Bloomberg – Fed Seen Tapering QE in $10 Billion Steps in Next Seven Meetings

Notable excerpts:

The Federal Reserve is likely to reduce its bond purchases in $10 billion increments over the next seven meetings before ending the program in December 2014, economists said.

Italy’s Unemployment Soars to Record High on Recession (Oct 2013)

Source: Bloomberg – Italy’s Unemployment Soars to Record High on Recession

Notable excerpts:

Italy’s jobless rate rose more than forecast in September to an all-time high as companies failed to hire amid concerns about the persisting recession, the longest since World War II.

Cracks in Finland’s ‘Triple A’ image (Oct 2013)

Source: CNA – Cracks in Finland’s ‘Triple A’ image

Notable excerpts:

Finland’s image as an island of fiscal virtue in an ocean of European profligacy has eroded to the point that many ask if it can keep its stellar credit rating.