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Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Mortgage Bailout's Silver Lining

This is just along the lines of what I predict in today's MoneyandMarkets column ...

Fed Forecasters Who Got It Right for 2007 See Funds Rate Falling to 3.5% The three most accurate forecasters of U.S. interest rates say the Federal Reserve will need to lower borrowing costs below 4 percent to prevent credit markets from seizing up.

In other news ...

India Industrial Output Grows 11.8%, Fastest Pace in 7 Months, on Incomes India's industrial production grew more than analysts predicted in October as the onset of the festival season and rising incomes spurred consumer spending.

China Retail Sales Rise at Fastest Pace in Eight Years on Higher Incomes China's retail sales increased at the quickest pace in at least eight years on rising incomes, aiding government efforts to curb the economy's dependence on exports and investment for growth.

Gold Rises in Asia on Speculation Dollar May Weaken After Rate Cut in U.S. Gold rose in Asia on speculation the dollar may extend declines after the Federal Reserve's quarter- point interest-rate cut, boosting bullion's appeal as an alternative asset. Silver also gained.

And here's a story we should all be paying attention to ...

Facing End-Times Drought Without a Plan
Residents and businesses in Durham, NC, have been told that they must cut water use by another 20% after months of cut-backs that resulted in a decrease of 31% or face the possibility of water rationing and loss of production for businesses as the city struggles with the worst water shortage in its history. Durham, part of the rapidly growing Triangle area, is reaching its growth limit.


Here in South Florida, I can tell you that our already-severe drought is not getting better. In fact, it's getting worse. I can't imagine what kind of water restrictions we'll get next (well, I can -- the paper just published the latest -- but I don't want to).

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