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.

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.

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…

Securities regulators have a chance to stand for average investors.

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.

In something of a surprise, a study shows positive earnings forecasts from companies are more reliable.

It will still pay to shop around, but finding free checking and other services will get harder.

The president’s decision to make Elizabeth Warren a special assistant rather than head of the new consumer bureau skirted a nasty Senate battle, but i…