Economics and Investing:

Now this is downright sinful: Woman Cashes in Rare U.S. Double Eagle $20 Gold Coins for Face Value. I’m glad to see that the bank teller was fired. Parenthetically, it has now been 76 year since gold coins were taken out of public circulation in the US. At the time, the difference between he value of a $20 bill and a $20 gold piece was small. But today, the enormity of FDR‘s grand larceny scheme is apparent. Perhaps that is the greater sin that should have been highlighted in this news article. (Thanks, BTW, to Josh for the link.)

D.D. sent this from Jim Jubak: US debt sets stage for inflation

Also from D.D.: The real unemployment rate? Try 15.6%

Items from The Economatrix:

Analysis: How the G-20 Succeeded — and Why it Matters

House Approves $3.6 Trillion Budget with $1.2 Trillion Deficit

Five Banks Repay $353 Million in Bailout Funds

FASB Relaxes Accounting Rules for Banks on Assets

Oil Jumps Above $52 as Stock Market Surges

Large Writedown Almost Doubles Rite Aid’s Fourth Quarter Loss

GM’s Uncertain Future Leaves Ohio Town on Edge

Wall Street Looks Beyond (Poor) Job Data and Extends Rally