Karen Mracek

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 …

Expect a lot of regional disparity in job growth and economic vigor this year.

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

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

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

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

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 li…

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

Smalls see opportunities to expand as lending loosens up.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Securities regulators have a chance to stand for average investors.

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

New electronic transfer technologies will turn paper and coin into historical anachronisms.

Banks go high-tech in their attempts to verify identity.

Hottest finance jobs include compliance specialists and tax managers.

One big trend is: no job, no 401(k). But even among the employed, participation is down.

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