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Can economy's 2010 growth spurt last? Five clues.

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Obama expected to nominate Jack Lew as Treasury secretary

The President's chief of staff has an extensive background in government work that includes running the Office of Management and Budget.
Tax refunds? Fewer. Taxes? Fair, poll says.

Tax refunds are expected by fewer Americans this year, according to an AP poll. A slight majority say their taxes are fair.
Can economy's 2010 growth spurt last? Five clues.

The US economy grew at a relatively healthy 3.2 percent annual rate in the final quarter of 2010, the Commerce Department reported Friday. That is an improvement from a 2.6 percent rate in the third quarter. But to many Americans, it's hard to tell if anything is really better. Buried in the new report are clues to why that is – and what might happen to the economy in the year ahead. Here are five things that the government’s preliminary report on gross domestic product reveals about the health of the economy.
Unemployment jumps, job creation slows. Is economic stall-out here?

Unemployment rate rose to 9.8 percent, as US economy gained a disappointing 39,000 jobs last month, versus 172,000 in October. The news may prod Congress toward more stimulus spending.
How much does that snow storm cost, anyway?

Effects from a snow storm like the one that blanketed the mid-Atlantic this week can add up to billions of dollars, once lost productivity and sales and emergency road clearing are factored in. But the cost to the overall US economy is likely to be short term.
Oil prices top $78 a barrel - double the cost of a year ago

Cold temperatures have boosted demand for home heating oil. Higher oil prices pose another challenge for the American consumer.
Second stimulus? US House passes $154 billion jobs bill.

The jobs bill would provide funding for job training and transportation projects. The Senate has yet to vote on the legislation.
G-20 nears agreement on 'peer review' of economies

The apparent aim of such critiques is to try to prevent the economies of individual countries from becoming unstable pillars.
Consumer spending up in June

If Americans continue reaching into their pocketbooks, back-to-school sales could be better than expected.
CIT plight hints at more bankruptcies ahead

According to Standard & Poor's, 181 companies this year have defaulted on their debt – four times the number last year.
ECONOMIC SCENE: Will Fed’s stimulus send inflation soaring?

The central bank says it will pull back when the US recovers, but the timing is tricky.
Home sales slide in March

Sales of existing homes fell 3 percent from February to March, but activity with lower-priced units may be picking up.
Might more stimulus be needed? Not yet, says Geithner.

The Obama team won't seek another spending jolt for the US economy, the Treasury secretary said Sunday, until it assesses effects of the first one.
Jobless rate hits 8.5 percent, a 26-year high

The US has lost 2 million jobs this year, but some of the unemployment numbers could indicate that the recession is finally starting to bottom out.
Geithner pushes his financial reforms on Capitol Hill

The Treasury secretary’s plan aims to rein in the industry’s boom-bust cycle and soothe Europe ahead of the G-20 summit.
Recovery outlook: growth next year

Modest developments on several fronts have some experts foreseeing expansion in 2010.
New refinance boomlet may lift economy, a bit

Low mortgage rates act as a gentle spur, but they're not enough to revive the housing market.
In red, states seek tax hikes

Budget shortfalls are pushing many states to raise taxes in a recession.
Now in vogue: saving

Attitudes change as Americans take financial hits.
US task: Put jobless into jobs

With biggest job losses since 1974, Obama plans massive public works.
Slow economy forecast for fall election

Citing dreary job numbers, some economists see the first 'recession election' since 1980.
Imports fall, improving U.S. trade balance

The shift reflects consumer stress, but it could help boost US manufacturers.
Are Fed rate cuts nearly over?

After a potential cut Wednesday, the central bank may pause to assess the economy.
As crisis deepens, Fed steps up role

The collapse of Bear Stearns sends the central bank scrambling to ease fears.
Subprime fallout: Who's stuck with $400 billion in losses?

How asset-backed securities tied to risky mortgages and US consumer debt are affecting investors around the world.