Economics and Investing:

Just as I envisioned three years ago, derivatives are now in thes spotlight: Treasury Seeks More Financial Regulations in Shadowy Markets. (Thanks to Danny S. and KAF, for the link.)

From the Appenzell Daily Bell: Beginning of the end? Fed cannot account for $9 trillion

KAF sent us this: David Frum: Quick fix today, crisis tomorrow in Obama’s White House

Redaer GG flagged this: Strong appetite for silver boosts coin production “Mints around the world almost doubled their silver coin production in the first quarter in response to a surge of investor interest in the metal.”

Items from The Economatrix:

Chrysler Moves to Eliminate 789 of 3,200 Dealership

Celente: The Bailout Bubble: The Bubble to End All Bubbles

Stock Optmists Need to Read a History of the Great Depression

EU Plans Bank Stress Tests in Europe

Asian Stock Markets Edge Up as Spring Ralley Loses Fizz

Hardship Bites in Toyota City

Luxembourg: Angry Steelworkers Storm ArcelorMittal (World Biggest Steelmaker)

Obama: Credit Card Bill Critical to Fix Ailing Economy

US “Sham” Bank Bailouts Enrich Speculators

GM Plans to Export [Chinese-Built] Cars to the US “General Motors is planning to build cars in China and import them into the United States, a strategy that could trigger further job losses and union anger in the US.”

“Green Shoots” Wither on Poor US Retail Sales Figures