All Economy
Tax policy won't fix the economy on its ownMany tax policy experts spin a simple fairy tale when they talk about how to reform the tax system. They say that we just need to cut tax rates, which will expand the economy, which in turn will reduce the deficit. But unfortunately, in the real world, we face real budget constraints and a real scarcity of resources.
Stocks mixed; Dow erases last week's huge lossThe Dow rose 37 points to close at 12959 Monday,聽erasing a nerve-wracking 204-point loss it suffered a week ago.聽
Sitters too pricey? Try a babysitting exchangeBy swapping babysitting services with another family, you save a hefty amount of money and build strong relationships to boot.
Is this the worst time to buy stocks?Some cautious financial minds are predicting that right now might be a good time to sit out the stock market, despite the economic recovery. Are they right?
Why the economy needs a strong service sectorA nation's economy doesn't have to be wholly reliant on manufacturing, and service sector jobs are a strong indicator of an economy's health.- Gas prices: Up 12 cents in two weeksGas prices are highest in Los Angeles at $4.35 a gallon and lowest in Denver at $3.36. Survey finds that average premium gas prices are at $4.07.
Rebellious unions upend German orderGermany has a tradition of good relations between unions and employers, but as support erodes for well-established groups, workers are joining smaller unions willing to buck the consensus. 聽
The Pentagon is a gas guzzlerThe Pentagon spent $17.3 billion on oil in 2011, a 26 percent increase from 2010. This despite the Pentagon's public efforts to "go green."- Stock market points to lower openStock market futures in US follow Europe, Asia lower. Stock market focus is on Greek debt deal and slowing growth in China.
- Dividend-paying stocks: more gains aheadDividend-paying stocks have room to grow, says BlackRock's CIO. One reason: Investors dissatisfied with low returns on their savings will be lured by the higher payouts of dividend-paying stocks.
Breaking through the frustration of personal financeFrustration can lead to financial blunders. Here's how to calm down and make the best decisions for your financial future.
Gas prices: US and Britain's role reversalUntil recently, the United States was a big net importer of oil, while Britain was a small net exporter of oil. This meant that higher oil prices harmed the U.S. economy, but had a slightly positive effect on the U.K. economy. Now the two nations are switching roles.
Japan tsunami brought home hard lessons for automakersOn the first anniversary of the Japan tsunami, the auto industry is returning to normal after some significant disruptions. But the face of the industry has shifted.聽- Pink slime? Nothing wrong with it in school meals, USDA says.Pink slime, a controversial ammonium-treated beef, got dumped by McDonald's. But USDA defends purchases of pink slime for use in national school lunch program.聽
The problem with GrouponGroupon has yet to carve out a competitive niche for itself in the market, and it never should have been a multi-billion dollar company.- Obama strikes back at critics on gas pricesPresident Obama is underscoring his administration's work to develop alternative energy sources and increase fuel efficiency. Republicans聽accuse him of blocking projects and technology that would allow greater energy production, including the聽Keystone XL pipeline.
- Oil prices buoyed by US jobs, Greek debt dealOil prices on NYMEX rose above $107 per barrel on optimism about the world economy. Oil prices in London gained 54 cents to close at nearly $126.
- Tax deductions: Here are five for homeownersTax deductions for homeowners go way beyond interest on a mortgage. There are tax deductions for mortgage insurance and even energy-efficient improvements.
- US adds 227,000 jobs. But are they well-paid?The US economy is creating more jobs at slightly higher pay. But the averages can be deceiving.
February jobs report brings some cheer for older workersOlder workers, the group hit hardest by the recession and slow recovery, landed the bulk of new jobs created by the improving economy, the February jobs report showed.
