Economics and Investing:

GG mentioned this in The Wall Street Journal: Widest-ever October budget deficit (more than all of 2006)

More Friday Follies, with the link also courtesy of GG: Bank failure toll reaches 123; Regulators close two Florida banks and on in California, costing the FDIC $986.4 million.

Gold will stay above $1,000 an ounce forever, says Swiss Dr. Doom. (Thanks to Laura H for the link.)

Items from The Economatrix:

Drop in US Energy Use Drags Stocks Lower

Jobless Claims Fall, But Hiring Gains Seem Far Off

Buffett, Gates Tell Students Worst is Behind Us
. Gee, Happy Days are Here Again. Yeah, that’s what they were singing in 1930. But in fact, the economy didn’t fully recover until 1954. They say history doesn’t repeat, but it often rhymes.

Banks Borrow Less From Emergency Fed Fund

Federal Deficit Sets October Record of $176.48 Billion

Wal-Mart, Kohl’s: Holidays Could be Rough

Obama Announces US Jobs Forum with Business Leaders

Initial US Jobless Claims Fall to 10-Month Low