Topic: Lexington (Massachusetts)
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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?
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Eight ways $100 oil may affect you
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Smoke and mirrors in Obama's budget? Five examples of creative accounting.
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Top 5 overlooked stories of 2010
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In Pictures: Springtime flooding in the US
All Content
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The New Economy Case-Shiller: Home prices in 20 cities rise at fastest rate since 2006
Home prices increased by 9.3 percent, their largest annual margin in nearly seven years. But experts warn that a backlog in some markets could keep home prices low for the foreseeable future.
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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.
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What would a Korean war cost? Gauging the economic turmoil.
If a real shooting war came to the Koreas, the economic disruption would be global, though Asian nations likely would pay a higher price than the US. Some economists fear significant long-term changes to international trade.
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Energy Voices In Great Plains, if you drill it they will come
The Great Plains are experiencing a stunning resurgence in population after being long considered a population drain. One big reason: the energy boom.
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Retail sales rise. Shoppers unfazed by payroll tax hike.
Retail sales rose 1.1 percent in January, despite worries that the expiring payroll tax and high gas prices would curb spending. Is the rise in retail sales a sign of more sustained economic growth?
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Progress Watch
Fewer boarded-up homes: Vacancy rate for US housing falls to pre-bust levelsIn the final quarter of 2012, the vacancy rate was 1.9 percent of homeowner housing, and 8.7 percent of the rental housing market, according to a new census report.
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Postal Service plans all-weather clothing line: Smart move or desperation?
You might not have thought 'haute couture' the last time you saw your postman, but that's about to change. The Postal Service is promising all-weather gear embedded with military tech.
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Why Obama is pushing for stimulus in 'fiscal cliff' deal (+video)
President Obama's opening offer in 'fiscal cliff' talks includes $255 billion in stimulus spending – tax cuts, incentives, and more. It could be a bargaining ploy or a bid to offset rising taxes on the rich.
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Cyber Monday, Black Friday sales strong. Do they matter?
Cyber Monday set sales records and Black Friday spending was robust. But the long Black Friday weekend is no barometer for overall holiday shopping – it may even be a negative.
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Black Friday: gridlock at the malls brightens prospects for retailers
Perfect weather and heavily promoted specials help give a big launch to a holiday season essential to retailers at a time when consumer confidence has been slipping.
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Black Friday: Will the 'fiscal cliff' darken the mood in the malls?
Economists view Black Friday as a litmus test for consumer confidence, which is showing signs of weakening. Whether Washington can come to terms to avert the fiscal cliff – and tax hikes – is a wild card.
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Energy Voices Energy boom will push US past Saudi Arabia, benefit economy
The US energy boom will boost jobs and capital spending, cut imports and carbon emissions, according to a new report. But the energy boom is not a panacea for the climate –or US foreign policy.
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Unemployment rates fall in most swing states. Why that may not help Obama.
Of nine battleground states, unemployment rates dropped in seven and held steady in two, according to the state-by-state report for September. It's good news for Obama, but he may not be able to capitalize on it.
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Will US economy rebound in 2013? Forecasters say not much.
An improved housing market and better auto sales are expected to boost US economic growth in 2013, but slowing economies in China and Europe will be a net drag. Meanwhile, Congress will 'kick the can down the road' on extending Bush tax cuts, economic forecasters predict.
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Solar power startup to get subsidy: smart move or another Solyndra?
Solar power startup will offer lightweight panels for roofs that can't handle traditional load. But SoloPower is tapping the same federal subsidy program that failed solar power startup Solyndra did.
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Focus
Housing market turning a corner? Signs of hope for homeowners.Rising home values and declining foreclosure rates indicate a slow but steady recovery for the US housing market. Obstacles remain, however, including negative equity due to 'underwater' mortgages.
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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?
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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.
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Why did home sales cool during key spring season?
Sales of previously owned homes fell by 1.5 percent from April to May, the National Association of Realtors reported Thursday. But when viewed in the longer term, sales activity has been rising.
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Has Puerto Rico found a solution to the US housing crisis?
A set of incentives for home buyers in Puerto Rico has helped stimulate the housing market there, and some experts think they could help on the mainland, too.
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The New Economy US jobs report: a cold blast of fear
US adds only 69,000 net jobs, the smallest gain in a year. Employers pull in their horns in the face of fears over the eurozone and worries about the US elections and the expiration of tax cuts.
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Team Obama takes attacks to Romney's home turf
Obama strategist David Axelrod shouted over protesters at the Massachusetts State House as he attacked Romney's record as governor. Romney countered at California's shuttered Solyndra plant.
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The New Economy Unemployment rate hits three-year low. Hooray? No, boo!
The unemployment rate for April was 8.1 percent, the lowest rate since President Obama took office. But the unemployment rate is falling for all the wrong reasons.
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Student debt: How big a risk does it pose to the economy?
Student debt represents a financial challenge for America, some economists say, but in a way that's different from the big buildup in mortgage debt that led to a deep recession.
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Home prices: New numbers raise hopes they're finally starting to stabilize
Declines in home prices may be slowing, according to one report, while another has found the first year-on-year increase in prices since July 2007.
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