The “Great Lock Down” has created unprecedented economic havoc. Literally millions have lost their jobs, as businesses across the nation have gone out.

But as Caroline Baum, writing for Market Watch, noted recently a recession can also be an ideal time for an entrepreneur to launch their own start-up.

As old business models fail, new opportunities are created. And that's certainly the case today. Across the country we're seeing traditional business which require customers to come into their store. These businesses are struggling, as social distancing, mask wearing and limits on occupancy numbers, has caused these businesses to operate at less than full capacity. And thus reduced their profitability.

But there are no such limitations in the online world. No masks, no social distancing when you order from Amazon at home.

The “Great Lock Down” has created unprecedented economic havoc. Literally millions have lost their jobs, as businesses across the nation have gone out.

But as Caroline Baum, writing for Market Watch, noted recently a recession can also be an ideal time for an entrepreneur to launch their own start-up.

As old business models fail, new opportunities are created. And that's certainly the case today. Across the country we're seeing traditional business which require customers to come into their store. These businesses are struggling, as social distancing, mask wearing and limits on occupancy numbers, has caused these businesses to operate at less than full capacity. And thus reduced their profitability.

But there are no such limitations in the online world. No masks, no social distancing when you order from Amazon at home.

He's the head of the Nation's Central Bank. He's Jerome Powell, and this morning at 10:30 eastern time, he will take the podium at the 62nd annual meeting of the National Association of Business Economists.

The NABE is perhaps the nation's largest assemblage of real world economists. Many of these members are not the typical academic that you find at the usual economic conference. Instead these are the roll up the sleeves, and analyze their latest company balance sheer. They are more likely to be a company CFO rather than a college professor.

It's a background in which Powell should feel right at home. You see, Powell is not an academically trained economist. The first non academic Fed Chairman in a generation or two.

He's the head of the Nation's Central Bank. He's Jerome Powell, and this morning at 10:30 eastern time, he will take the podium at the 62nd annual meeting of the National Association of Business Economists.

The NABE is perhaps the nation's largest assemblage of real world economists. Many of these members are not the typical academic that you find at the usual economic conference. Instead these are the roll up the sleeves, and analyze their latest company balance sheer. They are more likely to be a company CFO rather than a college professor.

It's a background in which Powell should feel right at home. You see, Powell is not an academically trained economist. The first non academic Fed Chairman in a generation or two.

Last week saw the most dramatic change in the state's governor's approach to economic quarantine. When we saw Florida completely open up their state, while California moved to lock down business activity even further.

Now, in the American system of Government, it is the Governors of the various states who have the authority to quarantine, or open up businesses. And in an effort to control the spread of the Covid-19 virus, many governors choose to lock down non essential businesses, in an effort to halt that person to person contact which they felt contributed to its spread.

And this is the weekend edition of our podcast. The the time when we look back over the major economic events, and news that impacted the Markets in the week just past.

A time to measure the major news and events which impacted the financial markets

The big news of the week, was the announcement early Friday morning, that the President had tested positive for the Covid 19 virus. In the over-night hours, well before the markets opened, the Futures took a bit of a hit, down about 2%, but began recovering immediately, and continued to recover throughout the trading session.

The President has received well wishes, and get better messages from around the globe. It has also been reported that his Presidential challenger, Job Biden, has tested negative for the virus.

And this is the weekend edition of our podcast. The the time when we look back over the major economic events, and news that impacted the Markets in the week just past.

A time to measure the major news and events which impacted the financial markets

The big news of the week, was the announcement early Friday morning, that the President had tested positive for the Covid 19 virus. In the over-night hours, well before the markets opened, the Futures took a bit of a hit, down about 2%, but began recovering immediately, and continued to recover throughout the trading session.

The President has received well wishes, and get better messages from around the globe. It has also been reported that his Presidential challenger, Job Biden, has tested negative for the virus.

Now normally, I don't pay much attention to the regional economic reports which come over my desk each day. I usually only use the regional to confirm the general overall direction of the economy.

But in this economy, all that has changed. The regional reports are the most important. Because, as we've noted, the recovery is centered in certain regions and not others.

There were two examples of this phenomena reported this week. And both were notable for the sheer magnitude of their move.

Now normally, I don't pay much attention to the regional economic reports which come over my desk each day. I usually only use the regional to confirm the general overall direction of the economy.

But in this economy, all that has changed. The regional reports are the most important. Because, as we've noted, the recovery is centered in certain regions and not others.

There were two examples of this phenomena reported this week. And both were notable for the sheer magnitude of their move.

Now normally, I don't pay much attention to the regional economic reports which come over my desk each day. I usually only use the regional to confirm the general overall direction of the economy.

But in this economy, all that has changed. The regional reports are the most important. Because, as we've noted, the recovery is centered in certain regions and not others.

There were two examples of this phenomena reported this week. And both were notable for the sheer magnitude of their move.