While fundamental factors clearly played a role in driving down house prices that were at excessive levels two years ago, we have argued in a paper (to be published in the Berkeley Electronic Journal of Economic Analysis and Policy) that in most markets house values are today lower than what is consistent with the average level of affordability in the past 20 years.

WSJ: Low-Interest Mortgages Are the Answer

Stefano Scarpetta, head of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development employment analysis and policy division, says unemployment in Europe has persisted for long periods of time in previous recessions, partly because governments don't spend enough on getting people back into work.

FORBES: European Economy

An analysis of the current economic and fiscal policy of Venezuela.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Venezuelan oil bonanza

On average that'll just cover a typical rent in the county and nothing else, says Doug Hall, the director of Economic Analysis and Research Network for the Economic Policy Institute.

FORBES: Incomes

It is not to be confused with the nine-member Council for Employment, Income and Social Cohesion, nor the 51-member Employment Policy Council, and certainly not the 36-strong Council for Economic Analysis, which in turn has nothing to do with the 36-strong High Council for the Social Economy.

ECONOMIST: France's government