Economics and Investing:

US Finances Rank Near Worst in the World: Study. (A hat tip to C.D.V. for the link.)

J.B.G. flagged this: Worst Texas Drought in 44 Years Eroding Wheat, Beef Supply as Food Rallies

Commentary from Ireland: Default or not to default? Now that’s a no-brainer

Items from The Economatrix:

Just Not in Time Manufacturing: Toyota Tells US Plants “Prepare to Shut Down” 

Breaks in Supply Chain: Disaster in Japan Sends Ripples Through Global Economy

Fed Officials See U.S. Recovery Taking Hold  

Gold Fields: Gold at $1,500 Possible 

Durable Goods Orders Fell 0.9% in February