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Sunday July 5, 2009

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U.S. Economy


Reuters/Alex Grimm - A trader reacts to his screens.

Save to My Portfolio The U.S. Financial and Economic Crisis: Where Does It Stand and Where Do We Go From Here?

Martin Neil Baily and Douglas J. Elliott, June 15, 2009

The economy is showing signs that it is likely bottoming out and heading toward a weak recovery, but we need to keep our optimism—and our policy actions—in check, argue Martin Baily and Douglas Elliott. Many risks remain for both the banking system and the larger economy, and they argue for increased focus on existing financial rescue plans and the banking sector. Read More

Financial Institutions, Financial Markets, Banking, U.S. Financial Market Regulation, U.S. Economy

SPOTLIGHT: Retirement


Reuters/Mark Blinch - Flags wave behind a General Motors Corp sign in downtown in Detroit

Save to My Portfolio What Happens to the GM Pensions in Bankruptcy?

Douglas J. Elliott, May 29, 2009

General Motors has filed for bankruptcy, and one of many questions is what will happen to its pension promises, which are underfunded by $20 billion. Douglas Elliott says GM is very likely to continue to shoulder the full obligations after restructuring, rather than passing them to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and taxpayers—for now. Read More

Retirement, Auto Industry, Quality-of-Life Issues, Corporate Social Responsibility

SPOTLIGHT: U.S. Financial Market Regulation


Reuters/Robert Galbraith - A Wells Fargo branch in San Francisco, California.

Save to My Portfolio Interpreting the Bank Stress Tests

Douglas J. Elliott, May 04, 2009

The Obama administration has released the long-awaited results of the bank stress tests, saying some have enough capital to weather the recession, while others receive a regulatory blessing. Douglas Elliott says there is some good news, but not to overinterpret until we know the tests’ rigor. The real stress test will be making it through 2009 and 2010 without losing too much money.

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U.S. Financial Market Regulation, Financial Institutions, Financial Markets, Banking, U.S. Economy

Research and Commentary

Save to My Portfolio Structuring the Consumer Financial Protection Agency

Douglas J. Elliott, July 01, 2009

The Obama administration recently released a more detailed legislative proposal for its proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA). Douglas Elliott believes the proposal appears to retain the intended benefit of a clear focus on consumer protection while addressing seriously the potential for destroying useful financial products. It also aims to prevent the new agency from “empire building.” Read More

Research and Commentary

Save to My Portfolio Reviewing the Administration’s Financial Reform Proposals

Douglas J. Elliott, June 17, 2009

President Obama’s financial reform proposals are all sensible, necessary reforms. Unfortunately, some bolder steps have been left out due to the expectation of intense opposition from entrenched interests, says Douglas Elliott. He analyzes the administration’s plan, including parts that he believes did not go far enough. Read More

Journal

Save to My Portfolio BPEA Microeconomics

From 1989 to 1998, The Brookings Papers on Economic Activity: Microeconomics journal delivered research and analysis on current issues of economic performance that confronted public policymakers and executives in the private sector. Learn More

Research and Commentary

Save to My Portfolio The Tripling of the PBGC’s Deficit: What Does it Tell Us?

Douglas J. Elliott, June 04, 2009

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation’s deficit tripled over the last six months and could top out at more than $100 billion. According to Douglas Elliott, this accelerated loss is the result of a combination of factors, including the PBGC’s inability—thanks to Congress—to charge premium rates that would cover its risk, and the investment and funding choices made by the companies that sponsor the pension plans insured by the PBGC. Is another massive bailout in store? Read More

About Us

The Initiative on Business and Public Policy provides analytical research and constructive recommendations on public policy issues affecting the business sector in the United States and around the world.

Recent Research and Commentary

Retirement A Guide to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

Douglas J. Elliott, May 20, 2009

Financial Institutions Bank Nationalization: What Is It? Should We Do It?

Douglas J. Elliott, February 25, 2009

Troubled Asset Relief Program Fixing Finance: A Roadmap for Reform

Martin Neil Baily, Robert E. Litan, February 2009

Financial Markets The Origins of the Financial Crisis

Martin Neil Baily, Robert E. Litan, Matthew S. Johnson, November 2008

More Recent Research and Commentary »

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Spotlight

Policy CenterJohn L. Thornton China Center

The John L. Thornton China Center develops analysis and policy recommendations to help address key long-term challenges, both in terms of U.S.-China relations and China's internal development.

ProgramGovernance Studies

Governance Studies explores political institutions of the United States and other democracies to assess how they govern, how their practices compare and how citizens and public servants can advance sound governance.

TopicEducation

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Research ProjectAfrica Growth Initiative

The Africa Growth Initiative conducts high-quality policy research and analysis focused on attaining sustainable economic development and prosperity in Africa, while amplifying the voice of African researchers in policy-making and planning.

ExpertRobert Puentes

Robert Puentes focuses on the broad array of policies and issues related to metropolitan growth and development. He is an expert on transportation and infrastructure, urban planning, growth management, suburban issues and housing.

TopicHealth Care

Brookings is committed to producing innovative policy solutions to our nation’s most difficult challenges. The country may face no more important domestic policy challenge than the much-needed reform of our health care system. Through an institution-wide effort, Brookings delivers new ideas and offers policy solutions to improve health care both at home and globally.

Policy CenterCenter on the United States and Europe

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ProgramMetropolitan Policy Program

Redefining the challenges facing metropolitan America and promoting innovative solutions to help communities grow in more inclusive, competitive and sustainable ways.

Research Project21st Century Defense Initiative

The 21st Century Defense Initiative produces cutting-edge research, analysis, and outreach that address some of the most critical issues facing leaders shaping defense policy in the coming century. The initiative focuses on three core issues: the future of war, the future of U.S. defense needs and priorities, and the future of the U.S. defense system

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