Morning Money Links: Bernanke vote looms; U.S. debt limit needs another big boost; mutual fund firms’ profits surge on bond boom

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

--- Bernanke vote looms: The Senate has begun debate on the Federal Reserve chairman’s confirmation for a second term. The vote is expected around 12:30 p.m. PST. He’s expected to win, but opponents still are trying to sway other senators. ‘Bernanke fiddled while our markets burned,’ declared Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.). Former Fed Vice Chairman Alan Blinder still thinks Bernanke is the best man for the job.

--- Senate raises U.S. debt limit . . . again: The ceiling was lifted by nearly $2 trillion, to $14.3 trillion, to accommodate a budget deficit expected at $1.35 trillion this fiscal year alone. The House still has to give its OK.

--- India vs. China: Some new thoughts on which country’s economic growth is more sustainable in the near term.

--- Your bond mutual fund manager thanks you: All that cash flowing into bond funds helped boost fund companies’ fourth-quarter earnings.

-- Tom Petruno