_Economy and Finance

Anatomy of a soft economy August 18, 2011: 5:00 AM ET It's been a tough slog coming out of the Great Recession. As for a double dip, consider this: We've had only three in 160 years. Here's a look at how this recovery compares with recessions past.

European Leveraged Loan Study 2009: Global Economic Crisis Results In A Dramatic Shift In Default And Recovery Rates Standard & Poor's has completed its annual "European Leveraged Loan Default And Recovery Study," bringing the data and analysis up to date through 2009. The portfolio of transactions now includes data reflecting a full down cycle (2008-2009). Compared to the previous report, which covered only the beginning of the downturn, the most recent results show a much steeper increase in European leveraged loan default rates and a continued decline in recoveries. (more)