Topic: Brian Bethune

The New Economy US job growth like 'Groundhog Day' – all over again

US economy adds 157,000 jobs in January – tepid growth that the labor market can't seem to break out of. But upward revisions to last year's job numbers suggest the US has regained 61 percent of the employment it lost during the Great Recession. 

Who creates jobs? How economists see the Obama-Romney debate.

The debate about job creation is becoming one of the central themes of the presidential campaign. The answers aren't simple, many economists say – especially in the current climate of employment malaise.

The New Economy Housing is suddenly a bright spot for economy

In the midst of the economy's slowdown, housing is gradually picking up. Home prices and new construction are up. Existing home sales, while down, are expected to rebound.

For US and global economies, debt is a four-letter word

It's hard to conclude anything else: Debt – owed by households, governments, and banks – lies at the heart of the economy's troubles. Even after two years of recovery, debt remains a big drag.

Job market dismal? Here are the bright spots.

Although it added no net new jobs in August, the economy has some sectors that are growing robustly. Technology, health care, and some regional job markets are doing well.

What businesses liked in the State of the Union – and what they didn't

President Obama had chilly relations with US businesses until late 2010. The tone has changed, but they’re waiting to see what happens with some of the proposals in the State of the Union address.

Top 5 overlooked stories of 2010

History, it seems, will remember 2010 in the United States as the year of health-care reform, the Gulf oil spill, and the tea party movement. But the most widely covered stories are clearly not the only events that could shape the future of the nation. Here we note five overlooked stories of 2010 – developments that might have received some press coverage but perhaps not as much as they should have, given the impact they could have on various aspects of American life in the years ahead.

Mortgage rates at historic lows: five reasons consumers still wary

Mortgage rates are at 4.21 percent for a 30-year fixed-rate loan, spurring home buyers and home owners to take advantage. But there remain some reasons for caution.

What Federal Reserve did to boost weak economic recovery

The Federal Reserve was set to let its $2 trillion pool of securities shrink. But it decided Tuesday to keep that amount steady – by buying Treasury bonds – as a way to spur economic recovery.

Consumer price index 'inflation report' shows deflation. No Fed rate hike until 2012?

The consumer price index normally tracking inflation now shows deflation. To some forecasters, this signals recession, meaning that central banks will be keeping interest rates low.

Ben Bernanke: Time to shift from stimulus to federal deficit

Economic recovery has progressed far enough for policymakers to turn their attention from stimulus to reducing the federal deficit, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke testified Wednesday.

US manufacturing export orders hit 20-year high

New export orders for US manufacturing rose to their highest level since 1989, but they're not doing much to boost US jobs.

Can Americans save money – and the economy?

US consumers want to reduce their debt, but the economy's recovery depends on their confident spending.

US incomes, consumer spending see gains in November

US personal incomes rose for the fifth straight month, spurring an increase in consumer spending and buoying hopes for an economic rebound. However, the gains appear to depend heavily on government stimulus programs.

What's behind mixed signals from Obama and Geithner on TARP?

President Obama and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner appeared to contradict each other this week on whether the TARP program would be extended. The mixed signals reflect the political unpopularity of the bank bailouts.

Why Obama job creation plan focuses on small business

In presenting his job creation plan, Obama acknowledges that most new jobs come through small business. Tax breaks and other measures are meant to spur small business hiring.

Using TARP funds for job creation: creative or reckless?

As banks pay back TARP funds, President Obama and Democrats consider putting that money toward job creation. Conservatives say that will just add to the deficit.

Foreclosures rise. Big banks show profits. How can that be?

The bailouts helped the banks, but they're also benefiting from improvements in the housing market and overall economy.

JPMorgan earnings show 'too big to fail' banks getting bigger

JPMorgan Chase's surging earnings show that many of the biggest US banks are becoming more powerful. What happens if they get in trouble again?

Obama: give seniors an extra $250 each

The payments would be similar to the checks that Social Security retirees and others received in May as part of the economic stimulus legislation.

Consumer confidence dips in US, strengthens abroad

The index of consumer confidence has dipped in three of the past four months, the Conference Board reported Tuesday.

Five questions for Ben Bernanke

The Senate is likely to confirm him, but not without asking things like 'How soon will you raise interest rates?'

US consumer sentiment falls. Sign of trouble?

Are foreign investors losing interest in US Treasury bonds?

China and Japan were among the nations that reduced US debt holdings in April.

Despite rise in orders, US factories still mired