Topic: Alan Krueger

US economy turns south: Why many analysts see a blip, not a trend.

The US economy reversed more than three years of growth and fell 0.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012. The drop was driven, in part, by sharp declines in defense spending that some expect will be temporary.

Fiscal cliff: White House steps up pressure on GOP to reach a deal (+video)

White House economists warn that unless Congress extends expiring middle-class tax cuts 'without delay,' consumer confidence will take a hit at a critical holiday season for retailers.

Unemployment rate ticks up: Will it affect the election? (+video)

The October unemployment rate came in at 7.9 percent, up 0.1 points. But job creation was higher than expected. Both campaigns are spinning the numbers furiously.

Will jobs report give a timely lift to Obama's record on the economy?

At 7.8 percent, the US unemployment rate is now back to the point it was when President Obama took office. But Mitt Romney say it's still not a recovery – and that the real jobless rate is closer to 11 percent.

GDP report: how the presidential candidates, lawmakers are seizing on it

The GDP figure of 1.5 percent for the second quarter puts President Obama on the defensive, but Democrats are playing up other findings in the report.

What does it mean to be 'middle class?'

President Obama and Mitt Romney have different definitions on what it means to be middle class. What does the term really mean?

US adds 80,000 jobs in June, as growth remains sluggish

Job creation in June was affected by the financial crisis in Europe, uncertainty about the future of health-care reform, and even the heat. A rare bright spot? Hiring of temp workers is up.

Obama 2012: why weak jobs report is especially painful (+video)

The economy rules as President Obama fights for his political life. Voter impressions of where the economy is heading will soon lock in, meaning he can ill afford the unemployment uptick to 8.2 percent.

Poor unemployment report points to troubled US economy

The US added 69,000 jobs in May, the Labor Department reported Friday – the third straight month of disappointing jobs numbers. The unemployment rate edged higher, to 8.2 percent.

With meager jobs growth, 'time running out' for Obama (+video)

The 2012 presidential election may hang on voters' perceptions about the economy, and Friday's report that just 115,000 jobs were created in April won't do much to help Obama. What's the outlook for the months ahead?

What the 'Buffett rule' reveals about Obama tax reform plans

President Obama is pushing Tuesday for the so-called Buffett rule – a proposal to ensure that millionaires pay a higher rate on federal income taxes than the middle class. He and Democrats see it as a guarantee that the rich will pay more, even if Congress again extends the Bush tax cuts.

Economy adds 120,000 jobs. Why the dip from bigger gains in early 2012? (+video)

The unemployment rate fell from 8.3 percent to 8.2 percent in March. Economists had been expecting higher numbers of new jobs.

Donald Marron Fiscal policy and the importance of word choice

In economic policy debates, lawmakers have to be very careful about the language they choose.

On the Economy The problem with the 'trickle down' theory

The trickle-down, de-regulatory agenda presumes that the growth chain starts at the top of the wealth scale and “trickles down” to those at the middle and the bottom of that scale.  Problem is, that’s not how it works

On the Economy Income inequality: It's a problem. Here's why.

Income inequality is strongly correlated with the inability of the next generation to achieve the American Dream. The more income inequality, the fewer people can achieve the 'Dream.' 

Unemployment rate: How many Americans are really unemployed?

It depends on which measurement you use. For most people, the ability to find a job is the most basic sign of a healthy economy. Changes in the unemployment rate signal whether getting a job is becoming harder or easier for US workers. But other numbers, also sent out by the Labor Department on the first Friday of each month, offer additional barometers to watch. Here are five ways to measure the jobless problem, with the latest numbers plugged in.

Unemployment rate falls. Job gains ease fears of new recession.

The unemployment rate fell to 8.6 percent last month, down from 9 percent. It's the latest sign that the US economy is steering clear of a new recession. Still, pitfalls linger.

A recipe for increasing domestic manufacturing jobs

Low electricity prices, lighter labor regulations, and strict enforcement of the Clean Air Act are key to strengthening U.S. industrial policy

Obama makes a good pick for economic team

Obama's pick to head his economic council, Alan Krueger, has researched job market and minimum wage.

Why Obama picked Alan Krueger as next top White House economist

In a Rose Garden briefing, President Obama named Princeton University economist Alan Krueger as the next head of the White House Council of Economic Advisors.

Labor day BBQ? A side dish is partisan sparring on jobs, unemployment

Obama mulls new tax relief and help for 'under water' mortgages to lift economy. Republicans and business groups say if jobs are the goal, tax relief should include highest-earning Americans.

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