Peterson Perspectives: Interviews on Current Issues

Senator Dodd's Regulatory Reform: A Step Forward

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Morris Goldstein gives the new Dodd proposal a 7.5 rating out of 10, scoring well on resolution authority but less well on pricking future asset bubbles.

Germany's Virtuous Economy: How Much Is It to Blame?

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Angel Ubide argues that Germany should rebalance its growth, allow wages to grow, and encourage domestic demand to help countries like Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

A New US-European Rift on Financial Regulation

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Nicolas Véron says that Europe's determination to regulate private equity and hedge funds, which has drawn criticism in Washington, is part of a growing trend toward a "Fortress Europe" mentality in finance.

Finishing Doha: The PIIE Parameters

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Jeffrey J. Schott outlines how negotiators could jump-start the global trade talks, raise their ambitions, and produce a package beneficial to all parties.

Will the New Regime in Ukraine Embrace Reform?

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Anders Åslund, co-chairman of Independent International Experts Commission on Ukraine, says the new government may adopt some of the commission's proposals.

A Stress Test for the Euro?

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Wed, 3 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Nicolas Véron says that multiple weaknesses in Europe make it likely that currency markets will keep betting against the euro even if Greece stabilizes.

Is China's Economy Overheating?

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:00:00 -0500

Nicholas R. Lardy says China is concerned but is not "slamming on the brakes" or showing any signs of planning increases in interest rates or the value of its currency.

Would the Volcker Rule Prevent Banks Too Big to Fail?

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Morris Goldstein assesses the prospects for Congress adopting the Volcker Rule and other elements of a financial regulatory reform package.

China's Dollar Leverage Is an Exaggerated Threat

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Joseph E. Gagnon argues that despite fears that China might dump US dollars, doing so would hurt China and could even help the US recovery.

Greece's Problems, Europe's Crisis

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Carlo Bastasin calls on Greece to cut costs and regain its competitive edge—and for Europe to recognize the difficulties of market liberalization in Greece.

China vs. the Rest of the World?

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Thu, 4 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Arvind Subramanian argues that exporting countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America have more reason than the United States to oppose China's artificially undervalued currency.

Did Obama 'Snub' the European Union?

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Tue, 2 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Jacob Funk Kirkegaard explains how the Lisbon Treaty reconstituting the European Union made it less essential for President Obama to attend a US-EU summit in May.

China's Persistently Undervalued Currency

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

John Williamson discusses PIIE's latest findings on China's currency practices, its undervalued renminbi, and the impact on US-China trade.

Too Big to Fail: Too Big to Solve?

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Michael Mussa traces the history of US bank deregulation since the 1930s and assesses the prospects for reviving the Glass-Steagall Act and other curbs on the banking sector.

Europe's Struggle to Recover and Reform

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Nicolas Véron says that while Europe was faster to address the economic downturn, the United States has gone further in proposing banking reforms.

Reviving the US-Egypt Relationship

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Barbara Kotschwar suggests several areas that could improve economic cooperation, trade, and investment with Egypt short of concluding a free trade accord.

Ukraine's Recovery, Ukraine's Election

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Anders Åslund assesses the prospects for economic reform as Ukraine goes through a presidential election that could break the country's political paralysis.

The Financial System: Heading for More Trouble

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Simon Johnson argues that President Obama's proposed bank tax is a step forward but that the financial system is still distorted by flawed incentives.

How the United States Can Become an Export Giant

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Howard Rosen argues that exports are a key to US economic recovery but that export-led growth will require public and private investment.

Interview: North Korea Moves (Further) to the Left

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Thu, 7 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Marcus Noland says the Pyongyang regime's currency "reform," which replaced all currency in circulation, was an attack on the emerging market economy that could stir unhappiness among private economy elites.

A Growing US-China Rift

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Wed, 6 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Nicholas R. Lardy says relations with China are deteriorating over climate change, Iran, and the possible return of global current account imbalances.

Will Sanctions Against Iran Work This Time?

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Wed, 6 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Jeffrey J. Schott says carefully targeted sanctions could impede Iran's nuclear program and energy infrastructure, but they are unlikely to change Iranian leaders' political agenda.

The Fed Must Do More to Help the Economy

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Joseph Gagnon explains why and how the Federal Reserve, along with other central banks, can take further steps to encourage bank lending and reduce unemployment.

Progress in Copenhagen, But Who Will Pay?

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

William R. Cline notes that recent changes in approach by the United States, China and India have improved the prospects for a climate change agreement in principle at Copenhagen.

The Cost of Dubai World's Excesses

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Mohsin Khan explains how Dubai World's problems might imperil the future of Islamic bonds, hamper borrowing in the Gulf, and fuel demands there for more transparency.

What to Expect at Copenhagen

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Mon, 7 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Jacob Funk Kirkegaard says that after scaling back expectations, the climate summit will likely yield a political agreement to curb carbon emissions—making progress toward an eventual agreement.

A Jobless Recovery?

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Mon, 7 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Michael Mussa says the latest improved employment figures are consistent with his forecast of 5 percent growth next year, but it is still too early to say the recovery will accelerate to that pace.

Should the Fed Be Stripped of Its Regulatory Authority?

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:00:00 -0500

Morris Goldstein, Edwin Truman, Joseph Gagnon and Nicolas Veron debate the pros and cons of removing the Federal Reserve from bank supervision and giving those powers to a new national financial regulator.

Dubai World Goes Bust

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Tue, 1 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Edwin M. Truman explains how the Dubai-based investment fund went from being a beneficiary to a casualty of the global credit bubble.

Has the Public Lost Faith in Globalization?

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

I. M. Destler says a new compendium of public opinion surveys shows that people around the world continue to support free trade and globalization in spite of the worldwide economic downturn.

Lessons from Asia for US Industrial Policy

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Marcus Noland says that industrial policies favoring "national champions" have produced mixed results for Asian countries--and a cautionary tale for the United States in such areas as autos and "green" technologies.

Seminal Visit by India's Prime Minister

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Arvind Subramanian says that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in the first state visit of the Obama administration, will hold crucial talks on climate change, energy, the global economic crisis, Iran, and the wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Obama Embraces a Trans-Pacific Partnership

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

C. Fred Bergsten says the US intention to engage with the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership (TPP) could address concerns about the emergence of a China-led, Asian-only trading bloc.

Financial Regulatory Reform Moves Ahead

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Morris Goldstein rates the new legislation offered by Senator Christopher Dodd as a positive step, especially in its proposal to establish a tough new prudential regulator.

The Declining Dollar: No Cause for Concern

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Joseph E. Gagnon discusses the consequences of a declining dollar and sees little likelihood of the dollar crashing in relation to other currencies.

Capitalism 20 Years after the Berlin Wall

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Anders Åslund assesses the record of post-Communist Europe's transition to free markets and questions whether the United States has learned the right lessons from history.

Can Obama Help Revive Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation?

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Jeffrey J. Schott says the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, which President Obama will attend in Singapore, offers an opportunity for him to try to clarify his intentions to a group that accounts for most world trade.

Obama in China: Limited Expectations

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Nicholas R. Lardy credits the President with moves to stabilize the relationship with China but expects few breakthroughs when he travels there later in the month.

Obama Will Face a Skeptical Asia

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Marcus Noland says President Obama's Asia trip, starting November 11, will highlight questions among many in Asia over the administration's leadership on trade and economic and security issues.

A Return to Capital Controls?

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Arvind Subramanian says Brazil's latest move to tax certain kinds of foreign investments was sensible and should force a reevaluation of the orthodoxy that opposes all capital controls.

Will China Cooperate with the United States on Economic Sanctions?

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Gary Clyde Hufbauer assesses the prospects for President Obama winning agreement from China to cooperate on possible economic sanctions against Iran and North Korea.

Is the "Chicago School" to Blame in the Economic Crisis?

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Michael Mussa, a former student and professor at the University of Chicago, assesses the influence—for good and for ill—of economics as espoused at the University of Chicago.

Pittsburgh G-20 Summit Gets Only a B

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Mon, 5 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Morris Goldstein says the G-20 did all right on financial regulation, global governance, and stimulus, less well on the new framework for growth and combating protectionism.

An A-minus for the Pittsburgh G-20?

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Edwin M. Truman finds that the G-20 summit accomplished more than might have been expected on a future growth strategy, financial regulation, and global governance.

A Synthetic Currency Can Help the Real Economy

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500

John Williamson argues that major, regular issues of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), created to satisfy part of the growing need for international liquidity, could help reconcile payments objectives.

Pressures on Obama at the G-20 in Pittsburgh

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500

C. Fred Bergsten suggests that Obama may welcome pressure on the United States from summit partners to disavow protectionism and rein in the federal deficit in coming years.

Ahead of Pittsburgh, Little Progress on Financial Reform

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Simon Johnson says the Obama administration is not doing much to fix the financial system, and the G-20 summit may do even less.

Before Pittsburgh, a US-China Trade Blowout Over Tires

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Nicholas R. Lardy, analyzing the origins of the dispute with China over tire imports, warns that the fight could imperil future US-China economic and political cooperation.

Toward a Global Financial Regulatory Regime

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Morris Goldstein says that Treasury Secretary Geithner's proposals for regulatory reform are a step forward that could be endorsed in principle at the G-20 summit in Pittsburgh.

A Pat on the Back at Pittsburgh?

comments@petersoninstitute.org (Peterson Institute for International Economics) — Wed, 9 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Michael Mussa, noting that the global economy is heading out of its slump, says that the G-20 summit in Pittsburgh should also deal with an "exit strategy" from stimulus programs and the future of global financial regulation.