As good as most stories on this topic, like the rest, it ends on a "who knows?" note that is all too common in financial reporting. I think it was John Kenneth Galbraith who was widely quoted as saying that the only reason for the existence of economics as a science was to give astrology a good name. This story, and its fellows, proves his point. Personally, I'm tired of the endless speculating. As nearly as I can tell, it creates a virtuous circle of investor jitters that further roil the markets.

Disquieting article. Obviously no one has an accurate crystal ball concerning the economy, but there's a nagging feeling something bad is lurking ahead in our future. One factor is oil. If pump and fuel-oil prices follow the per-barrel price of oil--and if that price continues to spiral upward--it will be a cold winter for the economy. Retail is already preparing for the holiday season by initiating deep discounts.

My sense is that the author has little understanding of the seriousness of the problem with predatory lending and how it effects the national and international economies.