a) The amount of money flowing from companies to stockholders showing that the stock market is a source of 'negative' capital for U.S. businesses. Historical data would be great, but I only need it for the last 10-15 years when the net flow of capital has been from businesses to the market. Some data on the sources companies use to raise capital for various uses, be they new investments in equipment or for M&A or whatever, would also be helpful. (Doug, I lent your book _WALL ST_ to a friend, so I no longer have easy access to the data. Should I have told him to buy his own copy?)
b) Welfare reform. Apparently the welfare rolls are shrinking, but I need to know what is happening to these people. Are they getting jobs and moving up in the world? Or are they homeless now? Or something in between? Does anybody even know?
If someone has easy access to the data that would be ideal, but if you have a good reference would also be greatly appreciated.
Thanx in advance,
Brett