A proud central bank sacrifices its independence for the sake of reflation and growth.

No optimism, no rate cut, and no new solutions beyond a commitment to act -- somehow.

Risk-relief, a housing recovery and an energy boom aren't overcoming higher taxes.

US stocks still can't compete with Japan or the euro area on value or growth.

Don't laugh: the ECB wants a credit program for Greece to become the euro area template.

QE3 has failed. Gold points to deflation, commodities point to continued anemic growth.

Cyprus may sell its small gold hoard, but it's unique -- other euro area nations can't and won't.

Another blah growth quarter, another miss. And the monthly internals look even worse.

Draghi can either cut rates Thursday -- or do something that might actually help.

The Fed acts oblivious to a here-and-now deflation threat, and deteriorating data.