Nathaniel Popper

Banking regulators have rejected a financial institution's bid to be the first to serve the expanding marijuana industry in Colorado.

Stock markets fell around the world Friday as investors worried about an economic slowdown in emerging markets.

Stalled pallets of goods idling at ports. Reduced foot traffic at sandwich shops in downtown Washington. Canceled vacations to the Capital and to destinations abroad. Slashed corporate earnings forecasts. Higher interest payments on short-term debt.

Gold, pride of Croesus and store of wealth since time immemorial, has turned out to be a very bad investment of late. A mere two years after its price raced to a nominal high, gold is sinking -- fast. Its price has fallen 17 percent since late 2011.