Post Bailout: Thermometers and Barometers

It will take months to really know if the government plan to rescue our sick financial system is a master stroke or dismal failure.  For now any progress in improving the credit markets is not that apparent to the casual observer.   Some of the indicators that signal relief in the credit markets have shown some improvement.  As reported by Calculated Risk some signs of improving liquidity in the credit markets are popping up.  Most notably some spreads like the TED have improved and the yield on treasuries has increased a little.  Paul Krugman seconds the notion that things are happening.

Unfortunately the economic reality that you and I reside in is headed for a slide.  That sinking feeling was amplified by decline in retail sales (reported as a 1.2% decrease) weakening industrial production and the sorry picture painted by the Fed Beige Book.  The question amongst talking heads and economists is not if there is a recession but, how long and how deep the recession will be. I hope Wall Street enjoys their bailout because the rest of us will be hanging on for the rough ride ahead. 

There's a great new podcast from the elitists at NPR called Planet Money.  Check it out, they're doing a good job of disseminating information that is fit for consumption even if you're economically challenged.

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