News from around the web: 2009-08-15

By Edward Harrison On Aug 15, 2009

I am still playing catch up as I return from a two-week hiatus, but I do expect to be posting more starting next week. There were a lot of interesting stories about recovery, health care, industrial production, consumer confidence that I haven’t been able to post on, so expect a few such stories in the coming days.

In the meantime, here are some important links from around the web – a lot on the bank failures (Colonial being the biggest failure in 2009). I also have a lot on health care and overheated stocks. I may have another links post up to backfill some of the many stories I missed.

Note the two articles on predicting GDP growth in China – interesting stuff.

Enjoy.

Night-time photos shed light on growing economies – New Scientist A new way for estimating GDP in China instead of official statistics or energy use?

Predicting consumption growth in China – Michael Pettis

A rally with troubling aspects – FT Buyer beware

Hong Kong rebounds with 3.3% GDP boost

Soros cuts some retailers, takes stake in BofA | Reuters BofA is getting Krawchuck, Paulson and Soros.

Google monster – Sydney Morning Herald

Alabama bank failure is largest of ‘09 – MSN Money

FDIC: Failed Bank Information – Bank Closing Information for Community Bank of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV

FDIC: Failed Bank Information – Bank Closing Information for Community Bank of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ

FDIC: Failed Bank Information – Bank Closing Information for Union Bank, National Association, Gilbert, AZ

FDIC: Failed Bank Information – Bank Closing Information for Colonial Bank, Montgomery AL

FDIC: Failed Bank Information – Bank Closing Information for Dwelling House Savings and Loan Association, Pittsburgh, PA

Job and wages worries spark drop in consumer confidence – Independent.ie

12 Things Newspapers Should Do to Survive

The fat that makes you thin – New Scientist

Early Modern Humans Used Fire To Engineer Tools From Stone; Complex Cognition Older Than 72,000 Years?

False ‘Death Panel’ Rumor Has Some Familiar Roots – NYTimes.com This reminds me of the false rumours about Obama’s being born abroad. It’s fine to debate real issues. But, it is amazing how disinformation takes form in public policy debates.

Fallows: "I Was Wrong." : CJR

Obama keeps heat on insurance firms – Reuters

Colbert I. King – An Encounter With a D.C. Police Officer Leads to an Arrest

Michael Vick signs two-year deal with Philadelphia Eagles – ESPN

Toll Brothers shares jump as outlook brightens | Reuters A 41% drop in revenue doesn’t sound bullish to me.

Two Regional Banks May See Capital Raises – Barrons.com Synovus and Zions Bancorp have highest risk

Stocks: The latest Fed bubble

This "Junk Rally" Could Burn Stock Investors

financial news