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May 21, 2013

Small Businesses To Face Mortgage Squeeze

Having hung on through the Great Recession, many small-business owners face a new threat in the coming year: the difficulty of renewing loans now coming due.

See More On: Small Business | Business Costs & Regulation | Loans

May 10, 2013

Easy Money Here at Least Through 2014

Four years into a period of unprecedented monetary easing, policymakers are beginning to contemplate what it will take to reverse course.

See More On: Economic Outlooks

May 13, 2013

When Will Interest Rates Head Up?

The Fed is keeping yields artificially low and shows no signs of changing course.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Markets

April 24, 2013

How Dangerous Is the U.S. Debt?

Truth is, nobody really knows -- yet. Meanwhile, economists are turning the dismal science into a confusing one, too.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

April 12, 2013

The Mounting Economic Toll of Erratic Weather

A harsher climate spells new costs for businesses and homeowners, especially as government aid dries up.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

April 1, 2013

Another Term for Bernanke as Fed Chairman?

Though he's catching bipartisan heat, Ben Bernanke might prefer to stay in the kitchen and work on his reputation.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Politics

April 1, 2013

States Reviving Incentives for Firms to Relocate

With revenues up, state officials are again courting companies considering moving in or expanding. But it'll be tough to prove the lures actually pay off.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Business Costs & Regulation | Economic Outlooks

March 19, 2013

Chinese Investors Shopping for American Firms

Early missteps and ongoing political tensions won't slow a growing infusion of Chinese capital into a variety of U.S. enterprises.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

March 13, 2013

Housing Recovery Firmly Under Way

Gains among states will be uneven, but progress will continue through 2014

See More On: Mortgages & Refinancing | Mortgages & Refinancing

March 7, 2013

The Economic Price of Sequestration

The automatic cuts likely won't cause a recession. But the economy would grow faster without the endless gridlock.

See More On: Politics | Politics

February 12, 2013

Playing a Dangerous Currency Game

Countries eager to stimulate their economies and boost exports -- the U.S. included -- are on a perilous path

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

January 29, 2013

Manufacturing Bouncing Back

America's manufacturing sector is recovering and poised for a modest rebound. The question is how much?

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

January 15, 2013

China: Reforms or No Reforms?

China's new leaders have hinted that they'll adopt badly needed market-oriented economic reforms, but will they follow through?

See More On: Politics | Politics

January 8, 2013

Just Ahead: The Robotics Revolution

The U.S. is on the cusp of an explosion in robotics that will have a significant impact on business and the economy over the next decade. Here's how it will affect you.

See More On: Technology | Politics

December 28, 2012

GOP Puts Social Security in Play in Fiscal Cliff Talks

The choice is whether to reduce the retirement benefit by a little now or a lot more later.

See More On: Politics | Politics

December 13, 2012

The Fed's Risky Inflation Strategy

Can the Fed engineer both low unemployment and low inflation?

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

November 27, 2012

Office, Other Commercial Property Rents to Rise in 2013

Like the economy as a whole, the commercial real estate market will strengthen over the coming year.

See More On: Business Costs & Regulation | Business Costs & Regulation | Buying & Selling a Home

November 15, 2012

Obama's Plan for Averting the Fiscal Cliff

He could pull it off with higher taxes on businesses and the wealthy.

See More On: Financial Planning | Economic Outlooks | Tax Planning

November 4, 2012

Outlook for 2013: An Economy On the Mend

Watch for a slow acceleration in growth next year, no matter who wins the White House.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

October 11, 2012

Sweet Holiday Season on Tap for Retailers

Fiscal cliff? Whatever! Consumers are ready to spend, even if it means more debt.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Business Costs & Regulation

October 4, 2012

The Case for Economic Optimism

Expectations have been lowered. The savings rate is up. Mortgage rates are at record lows. The stock market still has room to run. The next decade may turn out better than expected.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

October 3, 2012

A Fork in the Road for China

China's deepening economic slowdown alone isn't damaging enough to blunt the U.S. recovery, but the U.S. has a lot at stake in Beijing's response to it.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

October 2, 2012

3 Signs the Housing Recovery Has Arrived

Buyers are back, building is up -- and housing is poised to add to the economy instead of pulling it down.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Buying & Selling a Home | Economic Outlooks

September 26, 2012

Can Washington Boost the Economy?

Now that the Fed has used up all its ammunition, any further stimulus will be in Congress' hands.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

September 24, 2012

Hazards Ahead for the Economy

An economy growing only slowly is especially vulnerable to shocks. And the coming months are chock-full of potential storms.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Tax Breaks

September 7, 2012

Ethanol: Running Out of Gas?

The drought's damage to the U.S. corn crop puts the ethanol industry on the spot.

See More On: Commodities | Saving Money

August 27, 2012

How to Create Millions of New Jobs

A shift in global economic trends favors America, if it can repair its reputation as a place to do business.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Politics

August 21, 2012

The Federal Reserve's Rocky Road

The nation's beleaguered monetary policy gurus have tough decisions to make, regardless of the presidential outcome.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Politics

August 13, 2012

A Push for New Labor Concessions -- Now?

U.S. steelmakers and Caterpillar want steep concessions from their unions. If they succeed, will other big manufacturing firms follow?

See More On: Business Costs & Regulation | Business Costs & Regulation

August 6, 2012

Middle-Class Spenders Will Lead Global Growth

Wealthier overseas consumers spell opportunity for American vendors who can take advantage.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

July 25, 2012

After the Election: The Future of Outsourcing

The two major presidential candidates are blaming each other for the outsourcing they say has moved American jobs abroad. Who is responsible?

See More On: Politics | Politics | Business Costs & Regulation

July 24, 2012

Integrated Shopping Is the Future of Retail

Retailers that combine bricks-and-mortar stores with online and mobile sales will find success reaching and engaging customers.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Small Business

July 19, 2012

China: How Its Slowdown Will Affect the U.S.

China’s economy is slowing visibly, diluting its impact as the major engine of global economic growth. Will that blunt the fragile U.S. recovery as well?

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

July 18, 2012

Lessons for the Rest of Us in the J.P. Morgan Debacle

There's no such thing as predictable risk in market trading. So embrace uncertainty, for better and for worse.

See More On: Investor Psychology | Making Your Money Last | Economic Outlooks

July 17, 2012

Europe Pulling Back from the Brink

Stronger economic ties show nations' willingness to preserve the euro and presage even more unification in years to come.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

July 11, 2012

Investors Will Make Big Banks Safer

The cloud hanging over bank stocks this year has a silver lining.

See More On: Business Costs & Regulation | Business Costs & Regulation | Business Costs & Regulation

July 6, 2012

U.S. as Safe Haven: How Long Can It Last?

Despite all its economic problems, America continues to be a favorite for currency traders and foreign investors of all kinds.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

June 27, 2012

Joblessness: Becoming a Long-Term Problem?

The number of Americans out of work for a full year or longer reached an all-time high last year. It's declining now, but very slowly. The cost to both those out of work and those who are employed is high.

See More On: Careers | Economic Outlooks | Employee Benefits

June 25, 2012

The Economic Fallout of the Facebook IPO

It's been ugly to watch. The animal spirits of entrepreneurs everywhere are getting doused. But long-term gains are still possible.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | Stocks & Bonds | Economic Outlooks

June 21, 2012

What Will Be the Jobs of Tomorrow?

Though it's likely to be 2014 before the economy picks up enough steam for robust job creation -- in the neighborhood of 250,000 a month -- it's worth looking now at what kind of jobs employers will be looking to fill.

See More On: Careers | Careers | Economic Outlooks

June 20, 2012

Why America Won't Let the EU Fail

They say "no" now, but Obama, Bernanke (and even Romney) would do what they could to fund a euro bailout.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

June 13, 2012

What Should CEOs Earn?

CEO pay will keep rising sharply, partly because Americans aren't close to agreeing on what bosses should be paid.

See More On: Business Costs & Regulation | Business Costs & Regulation | Politics

June 12, 2012

Is the Bailout for Spain Good Enough?

Though Spain will get what it needs to keep its banks and its finances afloat, investor concerns about euro recession and the prospect of contagion linger.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

June 6, 2012

New U.S.-China Rivalry: Vying for Asia's Trade

Both governments are now pushing regional free trade agreements designed to expand commerce with Asian countries. But they're very different -- and their impact is beyond trade.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Politics

June 5, 2012

Greece's Exit from the Euro Is Imminent

But it's likely the currency will stay intact, and fallout in the U.S. will be minimal.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

June 4, 2012

Solar and Wind Power Going Mainstream

Both industries are surviving on economic merits, not government help.

See More On: Commodities | Saving Money

May 25, 2012

Is the Housing Collapse Over?

A slowly improving economy and record-low mortgage rates are finally shoring up the real estate market. But the economics of homeownership are changing.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Buying & Selling a Home

May 23, 2012

Slower Consumer Spending Gains Ahead

Consumers' purchases account for nearly 70% of the nation's GDP, so as their spending goes, so goes the economy.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

May 21, 2012

Are We in a Tech Bubble? Probably Not

Apple's sky-high valuation and Facebook's IPO are more telling of "animal spirits" than another pending market collapse.

See More On: Tech Stocks | Technology | Stocks & Bonds

May 11, 2012

For the U.S. Economy, a "New Normal"

After a boom-and-bust cycle, a long adjustment alters the outlook through 2020.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

May 10, 2012

Three Lessons Bernanke's Students Could Have Learned in School

The Fed chairman can't be frank about some hard truths, even in the classroom.

See More On: Politics | Politics | Economic Outlooks

May 9, 2012

China: Cooling It Until Next Spring?

Despite the flap over Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng, relations between Beijing and Washington are visibly better than they were in 2010 and 2011.

See More On: Politics | Politics | Economic Outlooks

May 7, 2012

Investing Lessons from the Great Recession

It's not that the rules changed. It's more that strategies for long-term growth have always been riskier than we like to think.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | Stocks & Bonds | Saving for Retirement

May 5, 2012

How We Can Make the System Fairer

In his latest book, Yale’s Robert Shiller offers his ideas for fixing the world of finance.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Politics

April 30, 2012

Slow Productivity Growth a Blessing -- For Now

Tepid productivity growth is helping to spur more hiring now, but if the sluggishness continues indefinitely -- as some economists are predicting -- it could impede a rise in wages and living standards.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

April 24, 2012

Which Way Is the Fed Headed?

It has been tougher than usual to divine the Federal Reserve's intentions on interest rates.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

April 16, 2012

Ripple Effects of Unemployment

The longer that workers are unemployed, the more all of us are affected.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Small Business

April 12, 2012

Nailing Trade Violators: Not a Slam Dunk

President Obama and Mitt Romney, front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination, are both promising tougher enforcement of U.S. trade laws. But it won't be as easy -- or as effective -- as their pledges imply.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Politics

April 10, 2012

Inequality: Mostly Among the 1%

The super-rich are outstripping the merely wealthy -- but the rest of us are a lot more equal than you might think.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

March 28, 2012

A Tale of Two Housing Recoveries

Want to know how quickly home prices in your state will rebound? See how foreclosures are handled.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Buying & Selling a Home | Economic Outlooks

March 27, 2012

Higher Inflation? The Risks Are Increasing

Many forecasters expect inflation to slow in 2012, but the prospect that consumer prices will accelerate is growing, and the current rosy predictions may change. Here's what to watch.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Business Costs & Regulation

March 19, 2012

What's Stalling U.S. Trade Policy

To help create more jobs, the U.S. needs to reduce its outsize trade deficit and promote more exports, but that isn't in the cards -- no matter how November's elections turn out.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

March 14, 2012

Economy Warming with the Weather

Though the risk of a spike in energy prices looms, there's mounting evidence that this time, economic recovery is for real.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

March 9, 2012

For Workers, a Slow Climb Back

It's an employer's market, and will be for some time.

See More On: Careers | Careers | Employee Benefits

March 6, 2012

Mexico's Four Big Threats to the U.S.

On the unhappy 20th anniversary of NAFTA, the country isn't advancing as rapidly as free-trade supporters predicted.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

February 23, 2012

More Borrowing, But Less Consumer Debt

Two-thirds of the economy comes from consumer spending, so banks making it easier for consumers to borrow is a plus for growth.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Business Costs & Regulation

February 21, 2012

Globalization: Just Stumbling, or in a New Phase?

The decades-old push toward a global economy has taken a hit during the latest recession. Has it downshifted permanently?

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

February 12, 2012

Manufacturing Is Not the Answer

It's a mistake to think that manufacturing can do much to revive the economy. For good reasons, it is declining in importance.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

February 11, 2012

How Bond Rescues Helped Cause the Financial Crisis

Russell Roberts, a professor of economics at George Mason University, says government bailouts left bondholders reckless.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Politics

January 31, 2012

Gingrich's Economic Plan Political, Not Practical

His plan for a corporate moon base isn't the only far-out policy touted by Newt Gingrich.

See More On: Politics | Politics

January 26, 2012

Fixing the Budget: Don't Hold Your Breath

Waiting for the election to solve America’s fiscal problems? Guess again.

See More On: Politics | Politics | Economic Outlooks

January 19, 2012

Predicting Elections With the Economy: More Art Than Science

When it comes to presidential elections, is it really the economy that matters?

See More On: Politics | Politics | Economic Outlooks

January 10, 2012

Getting Tough with China

It's an election year, and once again the candidates' fancies have turned to bashing China. But will the victor be able to follow through?

See More On: Politics | Politics | Economic Outlooks

December 23, 2011

The Economy: Four Lessons From 2011 for 2012

In many ways, this was a year to forget -- but we'd making a mistake not to learn from the past.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

December 20, 2011

Myths of an Aging Workforce

The financial pressure to retire later is strong. The job market is woeful for younger workers. But that doesn't mean baby-boomers are hogging the jobs.

See More On: Careers | Careers

November 30, 2011

Finally, a Bottom for Home Prices

Plenty of people would like to set up their own household. More-affordable houses could bring them into the market.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Buying & Selling a Home | Economic Outlooks

November 28, 2011

Why You Still Need to Fund a College Education

If investing in a degree is like starting a business, then let's fund it that way: with equity instead of debt.

See More On: Paying for College | College Rankings | Paying for College

November 21, 2011

U.S. Can Survive a European Recession

A downturn in Europe will cut U.S. exports and raise credit costs, but won’t have a big impact.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

November 16, 2011

Your Job Should Drive Your Savings Plan

Focus on your income prospects first. That will inform your investment strategy best.

See More On: Investor Psychology | Investor Psychology | Saving for Retirement

November 10, 2011

Italy on the Economic Brink

The European nation’s long-overlooked problems will be much tougher to solve than Greece’s.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

November 10, 2011

Global Government Finance Bubble Continues to Grow

Doug Noland, the Prudent Bear Fund senior portfolio manager, has predicted credit problems for years. What's he saying now?

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Markets

November 7, 2011

Business Lending to Rise in 2012

Banks have healed from the financial crisis. They might even find themselves competing for customers.

See More On: Business Costs & Regulation | Business Costs & Regulation | Small Business

November 2, 2011

The Fatal Flaw of Obama's Mortgage Plan

Until Americans see owning a home as a good investment again, housing will continue to be a drag on the economy.

See More On: Mortgages & Refinancing | Buying & Selling a Home | Politics

October 24, 2011

A La Carte Pricing Spreads to More Industries

It’s not just airlines and hotels who are finding profit in splitting services up into a variety of fees.

See More On: Business Costs & Regulation | Business Costs & Regulation | Travel

October 20, 2011

Save the Savings Bond

They helped nurture sound money habits for the World War II generation, and they can help the next generation, if Uncle Sam would only listen.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | Stocks & Bonds | Saving for Retirement

October 17, 2011

Buying a New Car Is a Bet on a Better Tomorrow

A car-shopping excursion is a reminder of why Americans are the world’s most resilient consumers.

See More On: Buying & Leasing a Car | Buying & Leasing a Car | Business Costs & Regulation

October 12, 2011

Congress Picks Wrong Fight with China

Scoring points on currency rates may make good political sense, but it's lousy policy.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

October 7, 2011

Inflation Threat: Not Now, But Soon

Debt is the fuel for bad inflation, and our dysfunctional government is the match.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

October 3, 2011

Holiday Sales Growth Will Surprise Retailers

Keeping costs in check will be the key to a profitable holiday season.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

September 28, 2011

Soaking the Rich? Obama Faces Uphill Fight

Americans' enthusiasm for class warfare doesn't run deep.

See More On: Politics | Politics | Economic Outlooks

September 26, 2011

Businesses Holding Onto Their Cash

Record profits in recent years have U.S. corporations sitting on a pile of cash. But they’re not willing to risk pouring much of into expansion plans as long as the economy remains weak.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

September 22, 2011

A Lost Season for the NBA?

The prospect of empty basketball arenas spells revenue losses for many businesses.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Small Business

September 21, 2011

Teaching Savings to Kids in Schools

What was once called thrift education is making a comeback as financial literacy. That’s good news in hard times.

See More On: Family Finances | Family Finances

September 19, 2011

Flagging Recovery Hints at Japan-like Malaise

Averting a recession may not lead to the kind of healthy recovery that has been the norm. This time, it could mean a long, painful period as an invalid.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

September 13, 2011

Obama Stuck with High Unemployment

The president’s job creation plan is up against some tough numbers.

See More On: Politics | Politics | Economic Outlooks

September 2, 2011

Extending the Payroll Tax Cut Is a Cop-out

Shell-shocked consumers aren’t putting the money into the economy, and neither would firms.

See More On: Business Costs & Regulation | Business Costs & Regulation | Tax Breaks

August 31, 2011

GOP Hopefuls Put Federal Reserve on Edge

With monetary policy now a campaign issue, Fed policymakers are finding many enemies, few friends.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

August 30, 2011

You Can Still Count on U.S. Treasuries

Turns out the Great Recession is reaffirming traditional investing values.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Stocks & Bonds

August 16, 2011

The Good News on Social Security

All that’s needed are some nips and tucks to get the supplemental retirement program on a sounder financial path. The tougher problems are with Medicare and Medicaid.

See More On: Social Security | Making Your Money Last | Leisure Spending

August 15, 2011

Consumers: The Recovery Can't Rebound Without Them

The debt ceiling debacle and stock market slide have blunted consumer confidence.

See More On: Politics | Politics

August 12, 2011

Global Problems Threaten Fragile U.S. Recovery

European sovereign debt problems and slower emerging-market growth will weigh on the U.S. economic recovery.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

August 8, 2011

China Likely to Hold U.S. Investments Despite Credit-Rating Downgrade

China won’t shun U.S. Treasury bonds, but Congress’ handling of the debt ceiling legislation—and the downgrading of America’s credit rating—is fanning Beijing’s discontent over U.S. economic policies.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | Stocks & Bonds | Economic Outlooks

August 7, 2011

U.S. Voters, Politicians to Blame for Ignoring National Debt Woes

Like my waistline, America’s long-term debt situation has changed. With the S&P's downgrade of the U.S.' credit rating, we’re belatedly accepting the truth.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Politics

August 5, 2011

Markets' Scary Week Fueled by Fear, Not Fundamentals

When emotion rules the markets, watch out.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

July 29, 2011

Washington Fiddles as Economy Teeters

The economy is sending warnings of a slowdown, but Congress, Obama aren’t listening.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

July 25, 2011

Big Firms Prosper as Small Business Struggles

Record corporate profits suggest that the economy should be booming. But small firms — the main engine for job growth — still have it tough, particularly at the bank.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Small Business

July 22, 2011

A Midyear Resolution for Your Personal Finances

Don’t despair if you're behind on saving. We've got three ideas for reviving your New Year's vows.

See More On: Saving for Retirement | Saving for Retirement

July 18, 2011

Tough Times Ahead for American Workers

Even many of those lucky enough to have jobs will find stagnant wages, shrinking benefits and less clout.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

July 15, 2011

The Consequences of Failing to Raise the Debt Ceiling

Who'll get stiffed — Social Security beneficiaries, federal workers or the businesses that sell goods and services to Uncle Sam — if the U.S. Treasury's coffers come up short?

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

July 6, 2011

Washington's Last Hope to Prod Economy

Stimulus, easy money, tax relief -- all done with. So what kind of debt deal can really put us on the right track?

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

June 29, 2011

Robert Shiller Predicts Home Prices Will Fall Some More

Despite an uptick in home prices, the noted economist sees more trouble ahead for the housing market.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Buying & Selling a Home | Economic Outlooks

June 27, 2011

Economist Carmen Reinhart Shares Her Grim Outlook for the U.S. Economy

The senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics predicts five more years of slow growth and high unemployment.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Markets

June 21, 2011

Debt Ceiling Standoff: Will the Financial Markets Force a Deal?

Lawmakers who play with fire by letting Treasuries flirt with default may end up getting burned at the ballot box.

See More On: Politics | Politics | Economic Outlooks

June 20, 2011

It Just Feels Like a Double-dip Recession

With housing continuing to wallow at the bottom and millions of pink-slipped workers still unemployed, it seems as if the economy is sliding back into recession. But is it?

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

June 13, 2011

Inflation Worries Lurk in U.S. and Abroad

Prices may rise quickly if the economy picks up steam.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Business Costs & Regulation

June 9, 2011

The Weak Dollar: When Is Enough Enough?

The buck has fallen significantly over the past two years, but the decline has failed to make much of an impact on the nation’s trade and current account deficits.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

June 7, 2011

"Made in the USA" Makes a Comeback

Wells Capital Management strategist Jim Paulsen says shifting currency values tilt the balance in favor of U.S. producers.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

June 6, 2011

The Future of Personal Finance

As the U.S. population ages and globalization creates more competition for money-management services, information technology will get smarter, too. But can tech help hedge your risks in investing and retirement planning?

See More On: Family Finances | ETFs | Making Your Money Last

May 27, 2011

Firms Find the Lending Rules Have Changed

Going forward, business fundamentals will be more important than owners' personal finances.

See More On: Small Business | Small Business

May 23, 2011

Why Housing Has a "Buy" Sign on It

With price declines and a bottom in sight, odds are improving that first-time home buyers will see positive returns over time.

See More On: Buying & Selling a Home | Buying & Selling a Home

May 16, 2011

How Big Is the Risk of Inflation?

Gasoline’s huge price overshadows rising prices for airfares, used cars, beef and other items.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

May 10, 2011

U.S. and China: The End of Outsourcing?

Making it in America is looking more appealing to some firms.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

April 29, 2011

Can U.S. Trade Its Way Out of a Slump?

Obama’s plan to double exports over five years to help create jobs is off to a slow start.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

April 22, 2011

A Tech Bubble? What Tech Bubble?

Today’s social networking is far different from the dot-com craze that blew up in 2000.

See More On: Technology | Technology

April 15, 2011

Americans Finding More Jobs, in More Categories

Though there’s still too much slack in the workforce, the improvement is palpable.

See More On: Careers | Economic Outlooks | Careers

April 1, 2011

At Last, Robust Job Growth

What's more, the gains can be found across the country and in a wide range of professions.

See More On: Careers | Economic Outlooks

March 17, 2011

Housing Will Add to the Economy's Growth This Year

The sector’s collapse is just about over, but don’t look for the typical boomy recovery.

See More On: Buying & Selling a Home | Buying & Selling a Home | Economic Outlooks

March 15, 2011

Japan's Disasters Pose a Slight Risk to the U.S. Economy

The devastation will likely hit Japan hard, and slow overal global growth from 4.2% to 4% this year. But the direct impact on the U.S. will be modest.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

March 4, 2011

More Firms Are Finally Hiring

It’s too early, though, for unchecked optimism.

See More On: Careers | Economic Outlooks

March 1, 2011

Oil, Gas Prices Ride Mideast Worries

How high will they go? Much depends on Saudi Arabia.

See More On: Commodities | Saving Money | Economic Outlooks

February 25, 2011

Peter Schiff: "We're in the Early Stages of a Depression"

This well-known bear warns us about the country's heavy debt burden, rising interest rates, surging oil prices and more problems brewing.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Markets

February 14, 2011

Smoother Road Ahead for Economy

As the economy travels along still-icy roads, there are growing signs that the pace is about to pick up.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

January 26, 2011

Bernanke Taking His Case to the People

As inflation hawks and others peck at the Fed’s easy money policy, its chief is mounting an unusual defense.

See More On: Politics | Politics

January 5, 2011

GOP Targeting Bernanke and the Fed

Republican opponents of the central bank have their eyes on its mission to promote employment.

See More On: Politics | Politics

December 23, 2010

Economy Shows Signs of Growth

Consumers are spending. The next step is for businesses to start hiring.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

December 21, 2010

How the Financial Crisis in Europe May Impact the United States

Simon Johnson, the former chief economist of the IMF, offers his take on troubles across the pond and lessons the U.S. can learn from them.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks | Markets

December 13, 2010

Washington's Next Stimulus Plan

Congress is readying an economic booster shot that should deliver jobs, economic growth -- and a bigger deficit.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

December 6, 2010

Euro-style Debt Disaster? Not Here

The deficit causes problems, but America won’t follow in the footsteps of Ireland and Greece.

See More On: Economic Outlooks | Economic Outlooks

November 3, 2010

Some of the Unemployed May Never Work Again

More folks than ever before have been out of a job for a year or more. The prognosis for them isn't good. And that spells bad news for the economy.

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October 28, 2010

Robert Shiller Sees More Housing Pain Ahead

The Yale economist who called the housing bubble says foreclosure-gate is sapping confidence and more home price declines are likely.

See More On: Markets | Markets | Economic Outlooks

October 15, 2010

Will the Fed Buy Trillions in Treasuries?

Monetary policymakers are squaring off about what, if anything, to do to give the floundering economic recovery a shot in the arm.

See More On: Stocks & Bonds | Stocks & Bonds

October 8, 2010

Housing Holds Key to Economy's Direction

As the latest banking debacle unfolds, and calls for a moratorium on foreclosures mount, the outlook for home prices may spell the difference between modest economic growth and recession.

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September 10, 2010

Trade Gap No Worry for Economic Growth

Remember how a sharply widening trade gap in June sparked concerns about waning economic growth? Never mind.

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September 3, 2010

Modest Gains in August Hiring a Good Omen

Look past the official count of job losses in August: Private employers are adding to payrolls.

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August 23, 2010

Worries About Tomorrow Hold Back
Economic Growth Today

It may not be true that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself, but it’s certainly true that lack of confidence is reining in an economy otherwise poised for gains.

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August 10, 2010

Fed Acknowledges Slower Recovery
But Stays Confident

Federal Reserve policymakers change course only slightly after tipping their hats to disappointing data.

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August 5, 2010

The Fed's Options to Jump-Start the Economy

Odds are the second half of this year will bring brisker economic gains. But if recent sluggishness persists, with interest rates already at rock bottom, what else can the Fed do?

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