The teetering U.S. economy; Debt, S&&Ls, other woes heighten risk
Nov. 29, 1990
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Now that Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan has acknowledged that the economy is in a "meaningful downturn," the question is: How long will it last and how deep will it get? Could the downturn, which most economists say will be mild and end by the middle of next year, somehow turn into an economic catastrophe - perhaps even a depression?
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No obituary for the recession; 'Ugly' news sidetracks the rebound
Feb. 4, 1991
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Reports of the recession's death may have been greatly exaggerated.
Friday, two stunning reports flattened hopes that the recession was close to bottoming out. The news shocked the Federal Reserve into its most aggressive moves yet to shove interest rates down and get the economy moving again.
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GNP growth masks economic weakness; One gain doesn't make a recovery
Oct. 30, 1991
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The economic recovery, if it ever began, is fizzling.
Not even Tuesday's report that gross national product rose at a 2.4% annual rate the third quarter can hide facts such as these:
- Consumer confidence has sunk to recession levels.
- Lines at unemployment offices are growing.
- Sales of anything that costs more than a week's worth of groceries - cars, homes, appliances - are awful.
- Many businesses are laying off workers in response to weak demand or in anticipation of even tougher times.
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Confidence missing element; Government's hands tied on economy
Nov. 11, 1991
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The recession that was supposed to come and go is hanging around like an obnoxious house guest.
And neither the voters nor investors are convinced by President Bush's assurances that the economy will pick up. On Monday, he pointed out that interest rates, personal debt and inflation are down, exports are rising and U.S. goods are becoming more competitive. So "it's not like we're dealing with a totally bad economy."
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The economy: Paying for the party
Feb. 12, 1992
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Once again, there is talk that the economy may be recovering. Real-estate agents say people are lining up at open houses. Car dealers report more customers in their showrooms. Some argue the recession has to end soon because it's been going on for 20 months.
