All Economy
- Bankruptcy for TaxMasters, an IRS foeBankruptcy filing by TaxMasters puts focus on its aggressive ads. The Houston firm filed for bankruptcy after Texas'聽attorney general sued it for misleading advertising,聽.
- Average pay in the UK dropped 5 percent over 10 yearsCompared to other European countries, Britain has had only a modest problem with unemployment, but earnings have dropped considerably.
- Stocks rise on Apple dividendThe Dow rose 6 points to close at 13239 on a聽 dividend from Apple, a deal for UPS and the promise of greater demand for U.S. Steel.
- Tim Cook shines as Apple CEOTaking over for Steve Jobs would be difficult for anyone, but Tim Cook's leadership of Apple has been workmanlike and highly effective.
- We already have a 'Buffett rule' in the tax codeThe alternative minimum tax (AMT) makes sure that high-income citizens may at least a minimum of income tax. It adds enormous complexity to the tax code and increasingly burdens middle-class families, but it would be costly and difficult to replace.
- N.Y. Mets owners settle with Madoff trustee for $162 millionThe ownership group of Major League Baseball's New York Mets has agreed to a settlement deal with the trustee trying to recoup billions of dollars in the wake of the Bernard Madoff Ponzi scheme.
- Housing market goes flat; shows signs of progressThe latest Housing Market Index (HMI) shows a flattening of most measures in March with the composite HMI index remaining unchanged at 28. The "buyer traffic" index stayed put at 22.
- Sweden cash-free? It's getting there.Sweden cash-free moves include public buses, a few stores, and even some bank offices that don't handle cash anymore. But it could take 20 years before consumers see a Sweden cash-free.聽
- AAPL: Apple starts share buybacksApple (AAPL) announced a $10 billion share buyback and a $2.65-per-share quarterly dividend to be paid out going forward. AAPL buybacks are starting out relatively small, but they have room to raise the buyback amount.
- UPS to buy Dutch delivery company TNT Express for $6.8 billionAtlanta-based聽UPS聽is the world's largest delivery company, while聽TNT, headquartered in Hoofddorp, Netherlands, is the second-biggest express mail company in Europe behind Germany's DHL.
- Investment returns getting lower. How to profit?With investment returns getting lower and lower, professional help in managing portfolios is more important than ever.
- Bankruptcy jitters in Stockton. Will other cities fail?Bankruptcy of Stockton, Calif., looms large as city enters talks with creditors. But most other troubled California municipalities are taking drastic steps to avoid bankruptcy.聽
- Gas prices rising: Why GOP won't address real causeGas prices are rising not because of increased demand but because Wall Street is betting on higher gas prices.
- Retirement planning: Stocks rebound, not confidenceRetirement planning looks as daunting as ever, according to a new survey. Although the stock market has rebounded, only 14 percent of Americans, a historic low, are very confident their savings and retirement planning will be adequate.聽
- Turn everyday objects into toysLots of household items make great toys. Just make sure they are sturdy, safe to put into a child's mouth, and too large to swallow.
- Why are used cars so expensive?Late-model used cars are in short supply, jacking up the price. Some cars, like the聽Mazda CX-9 Touring SUV,聽are cheaper new than used.
- Hybrid vehicles: Judge approves Honda settlementHybrid vehicles settlement between Honda and owners of Honda hybrid vehicles gets judge's OK, despite a $9,900 small claims award for inflated mileage claims for a Honda hybrid vehicle.聽
- Volkswagen buying motorcycle icon Ducati?Volkswagen's premium car division, Audi, is considering buying Ducati for its light-engine know-how, according to a report. But Volkswagen, Ducati are not commenting.
- Goldman resignation letter. Judge's critique. Now, the fallout?Goldman resignation letter blistered Goldman Sachs for putting its interests ahead of customers. A state judge nearly kills Goldman deal over conflict of interest. Firm now says it will try to strengthen conflict-of-interest controls, but doesn't tie review to Goldman resignation letter.
- Is $3 a gallon a historical relic? What could bring gas prices back to earth.A return to the $3-a-gallon gas prices of yore is possible, but it will require a number of factors. Among developments experts say could help: improved fuel-efficiency and a calmer Middle East.