The Bush tax cuts should be extended permanently for families with annual incomes of less than $250,000 and should be phased out slowly for those making more than that. Raising taxes on anyone now, when the economic recovery is so fragile, would be a mistake.

The principal linkages between Japan and the U.S. global economies are trade, financial markets, and commodity markets.

There is a banking adage that if it's growing like a weed, it's a good chance that it's a weed.

Yes. I don't think it would be appropriate at this point to raise taxes on anyone, certainly not in 2011.

My policy is I will help any policymaker who asks, whether they be a Republican or a Democrat.

Investor demand for distressed property has been healthy, as rents rise to levels that can cover investors' costs while they wait for properties to appreciate. Giving investors a small tax break should further juice up demand, supporting prices for distressed homes and the market in general.

Distressed properties are often vacant and in disrepair, and thus sold at significant discounts. As the share of distressed sales grows, home prices fall.