A side trip to Florence showed similar reaction to global recession with merchants deeply discounting their wares.

Seeing 50% to 70% off perhaps slightly elevated products in stores as well as cart vendors.

In discussions with friends living in Florence, they all mentioned the lack of economic growth. Followed by talk of the upcoming presidential election.

Let’s say there is little enthusiasm for Donald Trump or Hilary Clinton and far more support — not unexpected– for Bernie Sanders.

The Federal Reserve cut a check to the Treasury Department for $100 billion from its 2015 profits.

That represents a four-fold increase in profits from it buying US bonds and paper from 2007.