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For these four nations, 2012 is worse than the Great Recession

The Great Recession of 2008/09 delivered the worst blow to the global economy since the 1930s. But in a few nations, 2012 is turning out to be worse than 2009 in terms of economic growth. Europe's debt crisis, the general slowing of the world economy, and domestic political troubles have played a role in undercutting 2012 growth for one or more of these four nations. Can you guess who they are?
Eight ways $100 oil may affect you
Smoke and mirrors in Obama's budget? Five examples of creative accounting.
Top 5 overlooked stories of 2010
In Pictures: Springtime flooding in the US

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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.
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.
America's big wealth gap: Is it good, bad, or irrelevant?

The gap between rich and poor is at its widest since the Roaring '20s. Obama complains that it's unfair, but a growing chorus of economists and sociologists say it's worse than that.
Toddlers to tweens: relearning how to play

Children's play is threatened, say experts who advise that kids – from toddlers to tweens – should be relearning how to play. Roughhousing and fantasy feed development.
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.
Retailers gearing up for big pre-Christmas shopping in next two days

Fathers and other pre-Christmas procrastinators are expected to hit the stores in force on Friday, kicking off a calendar-enhanced flurry of holiday shopping that should warm retailers' hearts.
So how did that happen? Unemployment rate dives to 8.6 percent.

Why did the unemployment rate drop so much? There are good reasons and bad. While the economy is in fact adding jobs, it is also true that many Americans may have given up looking.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Annual PPI: Wholesale prices rose in September

Annual PPI – a gauge of wholesale prices – rises to 6.9 percent. But without energy and food, core annual PPI up only 2.5 percent.
Herman Cain: Who came up with the 999 plan?

With Herman Cain now a GOP front-runner in some polls, DCDecoder offers a four-point primer on Cain's 999 plan.
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.
Stocks tumble as worries about global recession grow

At about noon Thursday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was off 370 points, or 3.3 percent. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve said 'there are significant downside risks to the economic outlook.'
Eurozone debt: Grave threat to US economy or imaginary boogeyman?

Under grimmest scenario, debt-burdened Greece, Ireland, Italy, and Spain can't pay what they owe to Eurozone banks, which then stumble, causing US banks to falter, too. But US banking system is stronger now, and regulators are more vigilant, say optimists.
Stock market volatility: Dow jumps on jobs report, plunges, then rises again

Stock market gains early Friday morning were wiped out by noon, before another rally ensued. A better-than-expected jobs report gave some analysts hope that another recession could be averted.
What could happen to the global economy if US defaults

Some private economists see devastating effects, such as stock markets plunging. But other economists don't envision such a scenario, suggesting that the Fed, for example, may step in.
Economic bright spot: bargain-hunting foreigners flocking to US

The dollar has taken a beating, but that makes America an attractive destination for foreigners looking for bargain vacations. It's a boon for the US tourist industry and travel-related jobs.
If debt ceiling talks yield no deal, how bad for US economy?

Higher interest rates. No money for things like highways, federal workers, defense contractors, food stamps. Return to recession. That's what most economists see as inevitable if national debt ceiling is not raised.
New home sales fall. But are you ready for housing recovery?

New home sales and existing home sales dipped last month and prices continue to fall. But the slump is sowing the seeds of its own housing recovery.
US boosts 'game-changer' solar technology in bid for global market share

The Department of Energy, aiming to boost US competitiveness, gives a $150m. loan guarantee to a Massachusetts firm that has found a way to dramatically reduce the cost of solar voltaic cells.
Memorial Day travel: Americans will go farther, despite gas prices

Gas prices may be high, but 35 million Americans plan on Memorial Day travel. Gas prices may change spending patterns from Memorial Day 2010.
Two years after end of Great Recession, how are we doing?

The Great Recession officially ended in June 2009. That's apparent on Wall Street, less so on Main Street. But the economic recovery is gradually being felt in places like Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Gas prices could drop 20 cents by Memorial Day, experts say

Gas prices are expected to drop – perhaps quite a bit – as the wholesale price of gasoline tumbles. The size of the drop will depend on how long commodities prices remain low.