Topic: Consumer Spending

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World's cheapest gas: Top 10 countries

While Americans and Europeans bemoan the cost of gasoline at the pumps, people in some other parts of the world enjoy filling up their tanks cheaply thanks to subsidies provided by wealthy, oil-rich governments. Here are the 10 cheapest countries on Earth to fill a gas tank.
Black Friday 2011: You can get deep discounts ... on that?

Black Friday 2011 offers huge savings on popular holiday gift items, like televisions, gaming systems, laptops, clothing, and so on. But some retailers are using the traditional kickoff to the holiday shopping season to offer deals on stuff that's on (practically) no one's gift list. Here are our Top 6 wackiest product deals for Black Friday 2011. Have you got a better one? Let us know on Twitter or Facebook:
Heat wave: Four things that will rise with the temperatures

Slowing down because of rising heat is the expected response in any summer heat wave. But in a week like this one, where high temperatures fanned across the country, sizzling toward 100 degrees F. from Texas to Boston, some things also go up. Here are four things to expect to rise along with our desire to stay indoors and beat the heat.
Soft patch? Three reasons economic growth is slowing.

For those hoping that the economy is merely going through a “soft patch” right now, the weight of evidence suggests something more serious. Two years after the Great Recession ended, the economic expansion has slowed to an annual rate of 1.8 percent in the first quarter of 2011 versus 3.1 percent in the final quarter of 2010. Why is the rebound so tepid? Here are three key indicators, which historically help boost recoveries, but stand in the way this time:
2011 predictions: interest rates around the world

Currency analysts pay obsessive attention to economic factors that indicate the direction of interest rates, because interest rates represent the price of a currency. Any price change has a direct impact on the currency’s value. That can mean huge gains or losses for currency traders, but it also has a big impact on what savers earn, borrowers pay, consumers shell out for imported goods, and global companies plan in terms of compensation and hiring. In 2010, the stress on various currencies became clear, causing many central banks to push interest rates to record lows. Here’s a look at how those forces could play out in 2011 in six major regions of the world:

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The New Economy
Fed sees more growth? Don't count on it. Recession ahead.

Despite the Federal Reserve's brighter outlook for the economy, consumers won't spend enough to keep the US from sliding into a moderate recession this year.
Stock market gets boost from earnings, Germany

Stock market futures in US as well as exchanges across Europe buoyed by German business optimism, US earnings. German stock market up 1 percent.
Stocks close mixed; Dow up 71

The Dow rose 71 points to close at 12921, but steep losses for Apple dragged down the Nasdaq.
Apple stock losses drag down the Nasdaq

Apple stock has propelled the Nasdaq composite index forward for most of the year. But in the past few days, Apple stock has done just the opposite.
The Reformed Broker
Does good weather boost consumer spending?

In the warmest March on record, retail sales beat expectations. But shouldn't the boost have been bigger?
Stock market mixed: Retail sales up, Barbie sales down

Stock market sees Dow rise, but S&P and Nasdaq indexes fall. Mattel shares fall on lower Barbie sales, but a better-than-expected retail sales report buoys stock market.
The New Economy
Job growth slows in March. Is it payback?

The disappointing March employment report suggests job growth is coming back in sync with economic expansion after unusually strong job growth in the winter. 
Treasury bond market: Investors pull back

Treasury bond market is slammed by stronger prospects for US economy. Treasury bond market sees highest rate on a 10-year note since October.
Dow jumps 218 on market's biggest 2012 day

Bank stocks led the market to its biggest single day gain of 2012. The Dow rose 218 points to close at 13177, its highest close since 2007.
World's cheapest gas: Top 10 countries

While Americans and Europeans bemoan the cost of gasoline at the pumps, people in some other parts of the world enjoy filling up their tanks cheaply thanks to subsidies provided by wealthy, oil-rich governments. Here are the 10 cheapest countries on Earth to fill a gas tank.
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.
Stocks rally as Greek debt talks show signs of life

After losing for most of the day, the Dow rallied to close up four points at 12878 on late reports that suggested the unraveling Greek debt talks might be saved after all.
Horizons
With Droid 4, Verizon doubles down on its 4G double-data promotion

A new data deal from Verizon Wireless is tied to the release of the Droid 4 smartphone. 
Stock market divide: Asia down, Europe up

Stock market indexes in Asia close lower on bad news out of Europe. But European stock market indexes rise on hopes for stronger US job data.
Stocks climb, S&P turns positive for 2011

Stocks rise modestly in the slowest trading day of the year. Stocks on the S&P 500 gain 11 points, pushing the index 8 points above its open at the beginning of the year.
At the retail store, a long line of questions at checkout

Retail stores are increasingly barraging their customers with questions. It's marketing for them. Is it good for you?
Stocks fall late, erasing midday gains

Stocks slid in late afternoon trading. The Dow lost 66 points Tuesday to close at 11954, after gaining as much as 126 points earlier. Stocks on the Nasdaq and S&P 500 also suffered losses.
Stocks creep higher after steep losses

Stocks calmed down after Monday's big declines. Stocks on the Dow gained 69 points by noon Tuesday.
After Black Friday, Cyber Monday – the best holiday deals? Clean out your closet.

Consumer spending can drive economic recovery, but a recession created by a culture of excess can't be healed by more excess. As my kids learned by cleaning up their rooms, sustained economic health comes from knowing what we really need and what we can do without.
The New Economy
Black Friday: Small firms saw big bounce, too

Black Friday and Thanksgiving weekend sales rose 23 percent from last year for America's smallest businesses, according to a new survey. 'Small Business Saturday' helped sole proprietors, but Black Friday was where they saw the biggest gains. 
Best Buy a winner in holiday sales weekend

Best Buy sees turnaround from disappointing 2010 Black Friday sales by opening at midnight, focusing on low TV prices. Beyond Best Buy, Macy's and Walmart also score well in holiday sales weekend.
Cyber Monday deals 2011: six tips to nab them

Cyber Monday deals 2011 will come fast and furious. Here are six ways to ensure you'll get great Cyber Monday deals in 2011.
As Cyber Monday approaches, Black Friday sets new records

Black Friday this year set new records for in-store and online buying. Despite high unemployment and a generally worrisome economy, nearly half of all Americans went shopping.
So far, Black Friday seems to be bustling. Is the economy improving?

Black Friday weekend may give economists a snapshot of how shoppers are feeling going into the holiday season. Even though some consumer numbers are sluggish, Americans may spend when they hit the malls.
Thanksgiving now a Black Friday 'prequel'? Big deals begin Thursday.

To lure Americans away from the Thanksgiving table and into the Black Friday shopping frenzy, US retailers are offering some delectable early-bird specials.