Economics and Investing:

J. in The East suggested: Rethinking Gold: What if It Isn’t a Commodity After All?

EMB sent us this from the Calculated Risk blog: Unofficial Problem Bank List increases to 817 institutions.

G.G. sent this: 15 Signs the U.S. Housing Market is Headed for Complete and Total Collapse.

Items from The Economatrix:

Jobless Rate Drops in 18 States, Rises in 14

Gasoline Prices Should Fall After Labor Day

Stocks Slide as Investors Continue Sell-off

Fidelity: 401(k) Hardship Withdrawals, Loans Up

Investors Defensive With Data in Focus

Return of the Great Bond Conspiracy

World Stocks Slide on Economic Worries

This Economy is Ripping the Dignity of Millions of Americans to Shreds