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Despite complaints, House passes insider-trading ban 417-2STOCK Act does not include measure that would regulate those who sell 'political intelligence' to Wall Street, upsetting Democrats and some Republicans. Senate insider-trading ban passed last week with the provision.聽
Will $26 billion settlement from big banks repair US housing market?In the short term, the deal between 49 states and five big banks may actually boost foreclosures, some say. In the longer term, it should clear the inventory of homes that depresses prices and help the middle class.
Greece secures last-minute bailout deal, but it will hurtGreece has agreed to implement painful austerity measures 鈥� including a 22 percent cut in the minimum wage 鈥� in order to receive the money it needs to pay off debt due in March.
Rebounding economy: Unemployment assistance drops to four-year lowThe number of people seeing unemployment aid dropped to a four-year low, the Labor Department said Thursday. It comes on the heels of 8.3 percent unemployment rate, the lowest in three years.
Ben Bernanke shows his mettle, againIn recent remarks, Ben Bernanke showed that he鈥檚 not at all swept up in optimism about recent improvements鈥攈e鈥檚 particularly on point regarding continued weaknesses in the job market鈥攁nd he clearly cites all the reasons to keep pressing on monetary stimulus.
The upside to sprawl?The undeniable upside to sprawl is comfort and space. But are those luxuries really worth it?
Does Suze Orman鈥檚 prepaid card solve anything?Released with great fanfare, The Approved Card from Suze Orman is supposed to help people who use cash responsibly get a good credit score. But it doesn't 鈥� and probably never will. 聽
Mortgage deal could help 2 million AmericansProposed $25 billion settlement with major mortgage lenders would be biggest in 14 years. Much of the money would go to struggling homeowners and former homeowners hit by improper foreclosures.
What tax reform would mean at the state levelCongress could go a long way towards fixing the federal system without destroying state revenue codes鈥攂ut only if reform is done carefully.
The hedge fund mini-crisisThe hedge fund industry may be just as overbuilt as the credit and housing markets were.
Stocks rally as Greek debt deal draws nearAfter falling as much as 60 points earlier in the day, the Dow closed up 5 points, at 12883 Wednesday as Greece appeared to close in on the cost-cutting deal it needs to keep from defaulting on its national debt.
Bacon milkshake? Yes, from Jack in the Box.Bacon milkshake is available for a limited time as part of from Jack in the Box's new 'marry bacon' ad campaign. Bacon milkshake doesn't appear on the menu. You have to ask for it.
A European recession could have American consequencesEven with only about two percent of American exports going to Europe, a severe recession in the region would affect the US beyond the direct effect on exports.聽
Want to save gas? Clean out your car.Lugging around even ten pounds of extra weight in your car can have a significant financial impact. Lightening the load will increase fuel efficiency and prolong the life of your car.
Mortgage rates: How low can they go?the average rate for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage dropped to 3.33 percent since last week, while the purchase application volume increased 0.1 percent and the refinance application jumped 9.4 percent over the same period.
Can American manufacturing really be cornerstone of economic revival?For decades, the US manufacturing sector has shriveled, but President Obama now envisions it as an engine of a revived US economy. The basis of his optimism may be hopes for 'advanced' manufacturing.
Nokia will end cellphone assembly in EuropeNokia is shifting production to Asia to speed up delivery of new products. Nokia will pare 4,000 jobs in Finland, Hungary, and Mexico.
Super PACs: How many billionaires does it take to buy a presidential election?Would a refusal by President Obama to endorse a super PAC really amount to unilateral disarmament? To the contrary, it would have given the president a rallying cry that nearly all Americans would get behind.聽
Capital gains tax: a way to fund schools?Capital gains tax proposed by a Washington State Democrat as a way to fund education. But a capital gains tax would require bipartisan effort as legislature works to address a nearly $1 billion budget shortfall. 聽聽
The decline of the shopping mallShopping malls across the country are experiencing near-record vacancy rates, thanks a flagging retail market.