- American, French journalist killed in Syrian bombardment of Homs (+video)
- Nuclear talks with Iran? Senators implore Obama to draw line in the sand.
- Climategate sequel? Scientist lies to get Heartland Institute documents.
- High gas prices: How big a problem for Obama?
- Obama sings the blues with Mick Jagger, B.B. King (+video)
All Business
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Housing market showing signs of turnaround
Last year was so dismal, home sales almost certainly have to go up in 2012. If home prices stabilize later this year, as many analysts expect, the housing market will be set for a turnaround.
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Paper Economy
No change in low mortgage rates
The average rate for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage went unchanged at 3.98 percent since last week while the purchase application volume declined 2.9 percent and the refinance application declined 4.8 percent over the same period.
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Dow breaks 13000 but can't stay there
The Dow rose 15 points to close at 12965, just shy of the 13000 mark that it crossed earlier Tuesday. It was the first time the index had reached that mark since 2008.
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Stefan Karlsson
Oil prices in Europe near 2008 peak levels
The price of oil in Europe is rising, in part due to a supply cut from Iran and in part due to inflationary monetary policies.
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The Reformed Broker
Taco Bell throws down, takes on McDonald's
Taco Bell is introducing a new fresh menu and a Dorito-flavored shell in an attempt to gain a larger share of the fast food market and compete with Chipotle. Investors, take note.
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The Simple Dollar
Social Security benefits: How to prepare for the tax hit
Social Security income triggers big tax for newlyweds. How do you cope? See question No. 2 on Social Security and taxes in the reader mailbag.
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The New Economy
US budget: fiscal showdown or kick the can?
Congress faces a six-pack of temporary tax cuts that expire soon and could provide the incentive to reshape the tax code and boost the budget.
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The Simple Dollar
Four bank fees you should never tolerate
If upon examining your bank statement you see any of the four fees below, it's a good sign that it's time to switch banks.
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The Reformed Broker
Why hedge funds are a joke
2011 should have been the perfect year for hedge funds to thrive. What happened?
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Mises Economics
How to invest in the housing market. Really.
Greg Lippmann, made a star by author Michael Lewis in The Big Short, for making millions on the housing collapse, is now taking the other side of the bet and buying mortgage backed securities. It seems foolish on the surface, but it's actually a shrewd investing opportunity.
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Elections
High gas prices: How big a problem for Obama?
The last five times gas prices have spiked, the incumbent party has lost the presidential election. On Tuesday, the national average price of gasoline was $3.57 a gallon.
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Green Economics
Rising sea levels and the case against federal disaster relief
Government disaster relief and prevention efforts are noble, but they can have unforeseen negative consequences.
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Tax VOX
Just how big is the payroll tax cut?
The payroll tax cut extension will save workers a total of $114 billion this year. That means an average cut of $714 per worker, though some will take home more (and some less).
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Paper Economy
Commercial paper flat in January
In January commercial paper generally wen flat while still contracting at a rate of 4.12 percent on a year-over-year basis to $972.90 billion, a level that is still substantially lower than even the worst periods of the last two recessions.
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Stock market: After almost 4 years, Dow cracks 13000
The stock market hit a big milestone Tuesday, as the Dow Jones industrial average hit 13000 for the first time since 2008. The stock market got the final push from strong corporate earnings reports and a Greek bailout deal.
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Robert Reich
Gas prices: How rising fuel costs influence lawmakers
Gas prices are up, and it's already prompted Republicans to pass a bill to expand offshore drilling and and force the White House to issue a permit for the Keystone XL pipeline. But the hike in gas prices won't be as steep, or lasting, as some think.
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Stefan Karlsson
Portugal, Italy make debt progress. Not Greece.
Among overly indebted Southern European countries, Italy and Portugal have significantly reduced their deficits. Greece, however...
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Gas prices: Could surge at pump derail recovery?
Gas prices in California rise above $4 a gallon. By spring, some areas could see gas prices rise to $5 a gallon.
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Yelp IPO is near, could raise $115 million
Yelp IPO targets stock price at $12 to $14 a share. Yelp IPO target suggests company could be worth up to $840 million.
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The Reformed Broker
Springsteen takes on Wall Street in new album
Bruce Springsteen's new album, 'Wrecking Ball' is a scathing indictment of Wall Street greed and corruption.
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