Econintersect:  The Philly Fed sponsored Livingston Survey predicts higher economic growth and lower unemployment in the second half of 2011. The Philadelphia Fed’s Livingston Survey is the oldest continuous survey of economists’ expectations. The sur… more »

In late April GEI News reported on the claims that research had identified problems associated with genetically modified plants that had been modified to be resistant to damage by Roundup®, a weed control product maunfactured by Monsanto Chemical Company. Now another report has been brought to the attention of GEI News that presents more unwelcome information for Monsanto. more »

The term 'strategic default' refers to someone who can afford to make mortgage payments chosing not to. They may simply turn in the keys to the lender and walk away or, in some cases, live rent free until foreclosure is completed. As reported in GEI News last week, stopping payments and waiting for eviction creates an average term of more than than two years of rent-free, payment-free living. Last year 14% of homeowners said they would consider a strategic default, according to CNN Money. This year the number has almost doubled to 27%. more »

The June McKinsey Quarterly report contains an analysis by Shubham Singhal, Jeris Stueland, and Drew Ungerman that describes survey results about the future of employer provided health care insurance. The report indicates that more than 30% of businesses will drop health care plans by 2014 when insurance exchanges are due to be fully implemented under the 2010 Affordable Care Law. The details in the report indicate that the changes may be beneficial for many employers and employees. A total of 1300 companies were covered in the survey reported. more »

Econintersect: A Rasmussen Reports poll result released today found that finds that just 31% of American adults now say the economy will be stronger in one year.   This is down four percent from a poll taken in March, and lower than any poll since Januar… more »