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Persistent Overoptimism Three Ways: Truckers, Fed Economists, Manufacturers

MishTalk

Operating revenue decreased 15.9 A possible explanation for the SEP’s prediction of a rapid catch-up to potential GDP after 2009 is that participants overestimated the efficacy of monetary policy in the aftermath of a so-called balance-sheet recession. Month/Year Current Conditions Expected Conditions 2/1/2002 13.80 -11.92

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Shockingly Bad Fiscal Health of Chicago (and the Financial Engineering Chicago Uses to Hide that Fact)

MishTalk

The Corporate Fund is Chicago’s general operating fund. Chicago’s property tax revenues do not go into its general operating fund. The Chicago Tribune estimated it at approximately $400 million : In 2002, for example, the city used tax-exempt bonds to pay an arbitration award involving the Fraternal Order of Police.