All Economy
Mixed news for August constructionTotal construction spending declined in August 2012 while single family residential construction spending improved, according to the latest data from the US Census Bureau. 聽
What happens if Congress goes over the fiscal cliff? Taxes rise.Americans could face an average tax hike of almost $3,500 in 2013 if Congress goes over the fiscal cliff, Gleckman writes. The looming fiscal cliff poses a major threat for the US economy.
IKEA deletes women from Saudi catalog; draws criticismIKEA, the Swedish furniture retailer, is drawing fire聽for deleting images of women from the Saudi version of its catalog, a move that IKEA says it regrets.
The looming specter of jobs and debatesWith the first presidential debate on Wednesday and a crucial jobs report on Friday, it's a big week ahead for Obama and Romney. Reich argues that the jobs report will be the biggest election news of the week.
Housing prices: Are short sales in danger?As housing prices recover, short sales have become an increasingly popular escape route for indebted homeowners. But the future of short sales depends on a tax cut extension from Congress that may or may not come, and realtors argue that housing prices haven't rebounded enough for many homeowners to afford their debt forgiveness as a tax.聽
In (budgetary) sickness and in health: building a financially equal relationshipWhen you commit to someone, you don鈥檛 commit to being a lesser or greater part of the relationship, and the same should apply to your pocketbook, Hamm writes.
Unemployment in eurozone stalls at record 11.4 percentUnemployment in countries that use the euro stayed at 11.4 percent in August as more than 34,000 people lost jobs. The record high unemployment rate has renewed concerns that efforts to reduce debts have sacrificed jobs.聽
Why is British unemployment so low?The British economy is experiencing its worst spell since the 1930s, but unemployment has been relatively moderate. The cause? Low productivity.聽
US bank websites blocked by hackersUS bank websites of at least half a dozen large institutions have experienced surges and disruption of traffic over the past week. Islamists claim responsibility for blocking US bank websites, but analysts are skeptical.
Natural gas boom in US. Is Russia the big loser?Natural gas resurgence in the United States means lower natural gas prices, more potential for Europe to drill its own natural gas, and a rising threat to Russia's gas exports.聽
Nissan buys back Leafs under Arizona Lemon LawSome Nissan Leaf drivers are returning their vehicles for a full refund, citing reduced range and battery power. But Nissan insists that such problems are rare, and that Leaf owners are among the country's most satisfied car owners.聽
An Argentine abroad challenges President Kirchner over currency controlsAt a Harvard University event, Argentina's President聽Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner responded with gusto to a question about her government's strict currency controls.
US Postal Service defaults. Fate lies with Congress.US Postal Service defaults on $5.6 million payment to US Treasury. Having squeezed costs, postmaster general says future of US Postal Service depends on Congress.
Cover StoryRent or own? The new sharing economy values access over ownershipTo rent or own, that is the question posed by the burgeoning sharing economy. For a growing population engaged in this high-tech, low-cost 'collaborative economy,' access to cars, clothes, cuisine 鈥� or even a cat 鈥撀� is better than ownership.
The top 20 toys of all timeThese 20 timeless childhood toys, from Barbies to LEGOs, 聽were chosen by visitors and fans at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis as the cream of the crop. Which toy took the top spot?
Stop living paycheck to paycheck: 5 stepsMore than two-thirds of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, meaning the financial ground they're standing on is incredibly shaky. Here's how to break the cycle and聽
Fake it 'til you make it? Nah. Focus on 'internal' success.A shiny new car, fancy clothes, and a big house might indicate success to the outside world. But 'internal' financial success 鈥� being debt free with a rewarding job, for instance 鈥� will lead to greater security and happiness in the long run.聽
Carmageddon II raises traffic concerns...to the sky?The roads were empty during last year's uneventful Carmageddon, but the Los Angeles highway closure had one unexpected hitch: swarms of noisy, sightseeing helicopters.聽
National Coffee Day 2012: where to find free coffee and moreNational Coffee Day 2012 is Saturday, Sept. 29, and coffee purveyors across the country are celebrating. Here's a list of 16 places you can get a free or discounted coffee on National Coffee Day 2012
US, Mexico in food fight over tomatoes: How messy will it get?American tomato growers, upset at Mexico's growing share of the US market, are taking steps that could lead to new tariffs on Mexican tomatoes. Mexico's ambassador threatened retaliation.聽