economic view

Jobs. Europe. Housing. Health care. The writers of the Economic View column examine these and other big issues of the new year, and possible ways to solve them.

The former Fed chairman relied on the theory of the invisible hand, but that assumes people are rational and wise.

They aren’t.

The regulatory approach that exacerbated the financial crisis — playing favorites — is being repeated on a larger scale with health care.

How a worldwide “social epidemic” of ideas is supporting renewed confidence in the economy.

Sharp cutbacks in state and local government spending are endangering an economic recovery.

An insurance option run by the government would neither invigorate nor destroy the health care system.

First Solar, the nation's largest solar panel maker, said Thursday its second-quarter profit more than doubled on strong sales of its thin-film modules.

Could a new federal agency help balance the nation’s dual needs for innovation and safety?

The Fed has carried out a string of big moves to fight the recession, and seems fully capable of unwinding its measures when the recovery begins.

By taking seriously the results of studies on drugs and procedures, drastic cuts could be made, but Americans have been reluctant to do so.