All Economy
- Why Barnes & Noble is considering separating the Nook from its businessBarnes & Noble says it had record sales on its Nook device but that the Nook Simple Touch sales numbers were less than projected.
- The decline of the American public goodMuch of what鈥檚 called 鈥減ublic鈥 is increasingly a private good paid for by users, and the rest has become so shoddy that that those who can afford to find private alternatives.
- Bankruptcy protection: Kodak makes moves to stave it offKodak may file for bankruptcy protection, as analysts wonder if the company will find a buyer for its trove of patents. Bankruptcy protection could hit 'in the coming weeks,' according to one report.
- New Girl Scout cookie: Can 'Smiles' compete with Thin Mints?New Girl Scout cookie honors organization's 100th anniversary. The new Girl Scout cookie, the 'Savannah Smiles,' is a lemon shortbread cookie dusted with powdered sugar.
- New Year's tax policy resolutions: work together, stick to goalsThis year, tax policy makers need to work together to achieve revenue goals, and never lose sight of the long-term.
- Mortgage rates increase slightlyThe average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage increased to 4.01 percent, an increase of one basis point from last week.
- The devolution of America's think tanksOver the past 50 years, America's poltical think tanks have shifted towards political combat and away from nonpartisan research.
- Fixed mortgage rates hit new lows. Does anyone care?Fixed mortgage rates for 30-year loan now average 4.18 percent. But record low fixed mortgage rates are not perking up the housing market or causing a surge of refinancing. 聽
- Can tax reform really fix the income gap?Because many other factors influence income inequality besides tax policy, tax reform's ability to combat the problem is limited, but its potential shouldn't be entirely counted out.
- Did $98.5 billion high-speed rail project just hit a wall in California?An independent review panel says the plan for a high-speed rail corridor linking northern and southern California poses 'an immense financial risk' to the state and should not move forward.
- The Fed's new openness policy will create confusion, not clarityEconomists think that the Federal Reserve's new policy to be more transparent will only create noise and confusion in the markets
- New Yahoo CEO arrives: why his company isn't dead yetAs former eBay executive, Scott Thompson takes the helm at Yahoo聽the company confronts some big strategic hurdles, but it hasn't been wiped off the Internet map just yet.
- Stocks quiet, but gain for second straight dayThe Dow inched up 21.04 points to close at 12418 on a quiet day for the markets
- Big Three report booming sales for 2011 as Americans unload old carsChrysler's sales jump 26 percent over 2010, as smaller and more fuel friendly models give the Big Three US automakers a boost. Also driving sales, pent-up demand from owners of aging cars.
- Will global warming wipe out our food supply?Climate change may have聽 negative impact on our ability to grow food, but it will more likely encourage new innovations in food production.
- Gold prices: Traders who missed lows wait for a dipGold prices have surged above $1,600 an ounce. Some traders who missed the lows are waiting for gold prices to fall again before buying.
- How to live within your paycheckWith a new, higher paying job or a raise often comes "lifestyle inflation"鈥搕he temptation to spend wildly beyond your means. Here are the ways avoid overdoing it.
- Permanent vs. temporary tax cutsOne frequent criticism of the payroll tax cut is that because it is temporary,聽 it will have little effect on investments. However, depending on its length, it will still have an effect on shorter term investments.
- Rick Santorum's tax plan explained聽Rick Santorum's tax agenda would lower rates for individuals and corporations, substantially cut taxes on capital, and increase the personal exemption for dependent children. Like those of his GOP rivals, Rick Santorum's plan would likely add trillions to the federal deficit.
- Are gold prices dropping for good?Gold prices have dropped 20 percent since September, and some experts think it's time to give up on the gold market as prices continue to fall. But if another financial crisis hits, investors will once again be clamoring for gold.