Why do I think the dollar will be toast? Because Congress is planning to spend at least one trillion dollars to (ahem) “stimulate” the economy.

The markets of 2009: plenty of offers; few bids.  From Dubai comes word that the property market has not just fallen…it has ceased to exist.

The dollar continues to rally…  Loan ratios figure big now…  Bank nationalization returns to Germany…  Gold pushes the envelope further… And Now… Today’s Pfennig!

G-7 kisses up to China…  The dollar swings a mighty hammer…  Eastern European loans weigh on the euro…  Gold kicks tail and takes names later! And Now… Today’s Pfennig!

Foreclosures Continue Falling; Chinalco Invests $19.5 Billion in Rio; 4Q Profit Falls for Viacom; Coca-Cola Beats Expectations; GM May to Bail on China Venture; Australia Senate Nixes Senate 

China’s slowdown does not signal an economic washout, says Keith Fitz-Gerald. Domestic consumption is still booming, and the government stimulus will support growth in the future. Over time, Keith says savvy investors could see the best payoffs in a generation.

A year without question marks…stocks have been up for the last three trading sessions – even dead cats bounce… The U.S. is facing a political problem, not an economic one… Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan…but what is there to reinvest? The price of gold is going up – and people are finally catching on…will Mr. Market pull another fast one?…economics is not improv theater…and more

There’s a fine line between a stimulated economy and a destroyed currency, says Adam Lass. And the world’s central bankers are in a race to the bottom. Japan’s latest rate cut has given the US dollar a short-term lift versus the yen. But the greenback will soon plummet again. Adam says investors should take up a short dollar/long gold position for 20-30% gains in the coming months.

You’ve probably heard about China’s colossal $600-billion stimulus package intended to jump-start its economy. But chances are you didn’t hear about the new $40-billion initiative by China’s wireless carriers to modernize the national network…

Justice Litle says these two things are clear right now: 1) America’s infrastructure is crumbling, and 2) Washington is ready to spend trillions to rescue the economy. Put them together, and that means big business for construction firms. Justice picks eight of the best companies in the industry, which has a bright future under President Obama.