By Yiannis G. MostrousMCLEAN, Va.–Initial results indicate that US corporate earnings haven’t fallen off: 30 percent of the S&P 500 companies have reported, and the majority has beaten estimates (though excessive pessimism had led analysts to lower third quarter estimates). The current market rally now seems to be… Read More

MCLEAN, Va.--Shinzo Abe was elected Prime Minister of Japan on September 26; I had provided a brief background on Abe as his term as Junichiro Koizumi’s Chief Cabinet Secretary neared its end (see SRI, 16 August 2006, A Political Summer). Read More

By Yiannis G. MostrousMCLEAN, Va.–The prevailing view is that the US economy is slowing–taking its cue from the housing sector–and that the probability of a 2007 recession has risen significantly. Some say the likelihood is up to 40 percent. My view is a little more sanguine,… Read More

By Yiannis G. MostrousMCLEAN, Va.–It was raining last night in Bangkok, Thailand, as tanks rolled into the city and made their way to the Government House, putting a temporary end to the political turmoil that’s plagued Thailand since last April’s elections gave Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra a second… Read More

By Yiannis G. MostrousMCLEAN, Va.–A friend pointed out to me recently the existence of a Web site where active “condo traders” buy and sell this specific type of real estate. In disbelief– my na’vet’ wouldn’t allow me to think the situation had reached such levels–I immediately visited… Read More