Global Economy Needs Shelter From the Storm

(NEWSER) - Ben Bernanke patted himself on the back today for helping to save the world from a complete economic meltdown, MarketWatch reports. Facing public outrage and the prospect of President Obama dumping him in 6 months, the Fed chair said at a retreat in Wyoming that the world’s central banks “responded with speed and force" to "a rapidly deteriorating and dangerous situation." More»

Nation needs explanation of how it will help

(NEWSER) - The economic bailout plan does nothing to address the "collapse in confidence" hammering the financial system, Christopher Carroll writes for the Financial Times. Using the example of the "Bank of Rome" in August, 79 AD, the Johns Hopkins economist argues that the plan makes as much sense as expecting that the "citizens of Pompeii will repay their mortgage loans" and calls on Ben Bernanke to step up. More»

With no federal deal, agencies limited to ad hoc solutions

(NEWSER) - With yesterday’s failure of the $700 billion bailout, the Fed and Treasury are reconsidering their options, the New York Times reports. Fearful of cutting interest rates, they're back to rescuing struggling institutions on a case by case basis, and printing money—offering $150 billion in emergency loans to banks and $330 billion to foreign central banks yesterday. More»

(NEWSER) - Senate Democrats say they struck a tentative deal with Henry Paulson this evening that could lead to bailout bill tomorrow, debate over the weekend, and approval by the time markets open on Monday, the Hill reports. Senators emphasize the framework could easily fall apart, but they say that Paulson agreed to consider implementing the plan in stages as well as adding more oversight. A bid to give bankruptcy judges the authority to revise mortgage terms looks unlikely. More»

Of meeting with officials, lawmaker says: 'We have never heard language like this'

(NEWSER) - Lawmakers were astounded at the possible fallout of the crisis on Wall Street outlined last night by Fed chairman Ben Bernanke and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, the New York Times reports. “When you listened to him describe it you gulped,” New York Sen. Charles Schumer said of the meeting between a select group of lawmakers and the two officials. More»