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Eight ways $100 oil may affect you

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Jobs report for March a disappointment. What happened?

The US economy created only 88,000 jobs last month. Possible factors include the increase in payroll taxes, which went into effect at the beginning of the year, and the tailing off of repairs from superstorm Sandy.
Sequester 101: Is all this fuss really necessary?

The sequester spending cuts set to kick in March 1 address a serious long-term problem. But are they needed this year and in this way? No one thinks it's a perfect step.
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.
Gas prices: How much will they hurt the economy? (+video)

Gas prices are slated to hit new highs within months. How might that affect the modest economic recovery? Here's a clue: Every 10-cent rise per gallon in gas prices costs the US economy $11 billion.
The Reformed Broker Manufacturer needs and worker skills don't match up

Manufacturing jobs are growing slowly because laborers don't have the skills that factories need.
US stocks shrug off higher gas prices to push Dow above 13,000

Better economic news from Europe helped lift US stocks past the symbolic plateau. The Dow last closed above 13,000 in May 2008, before the collapse of the housing market.
New window on Fed thinking: Interest rates to stay low until 2014

Delivering on a recent promise to convey its policy intentions more transparently to investors and the public, the Fed said it expected to keep short-term interest rates low into 2014.
2012 economic outlook: What's in store for next year?

With the housing market and auto sales showing some signs of life, pundits predict a better economy for 2012. But the ripple from a European downturn could erode the economic pace in the US.
US economy grew at 2.5%. Will that quiet talk of a double dip?

Growth rate for the US economy was 2.5 percent in the third quarter, the government reported. That's an improvement over the first half of 2011, when concerns escalated about a double dip recession.
Herman Cain's '999 plan': long overdue tax reform or job killer?

Herman Cain's political star is lately on the rise, thanks in no small part to the persistent marketing of his '9-9-9 plan' to reform the tax code. Independent economists say the plan takes us into uncharted territory.
Recovering US job market is leaving black men behind

The unemployment rate for black men stands at 17 percent, more than double that of white men. An education gap, criminal records, and racial bias all contribute to problems in the job market, experts say. What type of intervention would help?
Father's Day 2011: Are men on verge of a manhood crisis?

On a variety of fronts, fatherhood, manhood, and even boyhood seem to be under strain or attack. On Father's Day 2011, maybe the guys could use an extra hug of appreciation.
As economic recovery sags, would a federal budget deal hurt or help?

Vice President Biden and congressional negotiators met again Wednesday to try to reach a deal on the budget deficit and US debt. As the economic recovery falters, how not to imperil it is a top consideration.
Unemployment rate drops 0.1 percent, showing 'positive momentum' in job market

The United States added 216,000 new jobs in March, mostly in the private sector job market, driving the unemployment rate down to 8.8 percent.
Eight ways $100 oil may affect you

In recent weeks, the price of a barrel of oil has stayed at about $100 a barrel, and gasoline prices have been edging closer to $4 a gallon. The costs are apparently due to events half a world away, in the Middle East. Even though plenty of oil is around, there is fear of further disruptions, and consumers, business people, and politicians have all been making adjustments. Here are eight ways that higher energy prices are starting to affect America.
Unemployment rate drops to 9.4 percent, but little cheer in jobless report

The unemployment rate is at its lowest level since May 2009, but this partially reflects some people giving up on job searches.
In 2011, better economic outlook – for some

Pundits predict healthy growth in 2011 and fewer unemployed. But housing and state budgets may struggle.
US GDP growth revised down to 1.6 percent as economy cools

US GDP grew at a 1.6 percent pace in the second quarter, less than the original 2.4 percent estimate. Surging imports and the end of homebuyer tax credits contributed to the change.
Recession widened jobs gap between blacks and whites

A new report from the National Urban League found that economic conditions have worsened for black Americans. Blacks now have a jobless rate 6.8 percentage points higher than whites.
New health care bill facts: How will it affect the economy?

Among the new health care bill facts: The legislation will bring tax hikes, mainly on the highest-income Americans.
Big hurdles to Obama's $33 billion in tax cuts for businesses

Republican lawmakers usually back tax cuts for businesses, but the $33 billion price tag of Obama's proposal may deter those who are more worried about runaway deficits.
Ten predictions for the 2010 economy

Will consumer spending move up and jobs grow apace in 2010? The answer depends on the economist you ask. A round up of the top predictions for the economy next year.
What will it take to bring back 7 million jobs?

With job losses this recession the worst since the 1930s, government stimulus can only do so much.
US job losses ease, a signal that recession may be over

But unemployment rose to 9.7 percent in August, and many forecasters see a slower than usual recovery.
A shift in home economics

Family finances get healthier as people save more and spend less. But will that help the recovery?