Topic: Mark Vitner

Federal Reserve more likely to do third round of easing: pros

Federal Reserve will start purchasing assets again, some market observers predict. The chances of the Federal Reserve starting another round of quantitative easing shot up in the last week as markets became unstable.

Double-dip recession: Could it be a 'sell-fulfilling' prophecy?

A nosedive in stock prices doesn't mean a double-dip recession is inevitable. But investor sell-off could hurt an already weak economy by dampening consumer and business spirits.

Consumer spending hits four-year high thanks to holiday splurge

In the last three months of 2010 consumer spending reached its highest rate since early 2006. Spending should cool a bit, but the report is a positive sign for the economic recovery.

Where unemployment is falling: a tale of six 'most improved' states

In July, the unemployment rate declined in more states than it rose. The changes were not dramatic, but this news from the US Labor Department on Friday highlighted the uneven pace of economic recovery in the 50 states.

Here's a look at six states that have made the most headway against unemployment this year. The beginning of the year arrived when the total number of US jobs had reached a recession-related low point.

This tale of six states reveals trends that are taking root elsewhere in the economy.

Cities' plea: We need $75 billion or we'll lay off 500,000

City and county officials said Tuesday that they will face massive layoffs unless Congress passes the $75 billion Local Jobs for America Act. But the bill's prospects look dim.

With jobs being added, is US economy ready to stand on its own?

The US economy has been propped up in part by government stimulus spending, but some of those artificial supports are slated to fall away later this year. The big question is whether the economy can sustain jobs growth on its own.

Jobs growth in March seen throughout the economy

One month doesn't make a trend, but recent gains in job growth were broad-based across the economy. GDP forecasts have edged up, too. This bodes well for a jobs recovery that’s better than what followed the 2001 recession.

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.

Good and bad news in home prices, consumer confidence

Surveys released Thursday suggest American consumer confidence is up, fueled by improved home prices and jobs data. But some headwinds to recovery remain.

Home sales rise in November, driven by tax break

Existing home sales rose 7.4 percent in November, largely due to first-time home buyers taking advantage of a tax break before it expired. That may mean the housing market recovery is not robust, some experts say.

'Cash for clunkers' ends. Did it do any good?

Does 'cash for clunkers' work?

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.

How $700 billion Paulson-Bernanke plan may help house prices

Economists hope the proposed bailout will boost confidence and end the cycle of falling real estate values.

Growth cheery, but economy glum

A disconnect: Pocketbook well-being has fallen behind productivity gains.

Economy growing ... but just barely

GDP rose at a 0.6 percent pace in the first quarter, the US government reports.

Job losses' ramifications far-reaching

Some expect Fed to cut rates by three-quarters of a point.