Topic: Market Research

What do women voters want? In a word: jobs.

Swing women voters put the economy and jobs at the top of their list of concerns, a new report shows. Presumptive GOP nominee Mitt Romney has been closing the gender gap.

Chevy Volt: Why is production being halted?

Even though expectations were high for the Chevy Volt this year, things aren’t looking all that electrifying for the vehicle right now. High gas prices might change that.

Electric cars: 'Plug-ins' look for spark in 2012

Automakers in 2012 will launch 13 plug-in vehicles, running on electricity alone all or most of the time. This is the year that will tell whether the electric car market has a roaring liftoff or a slow-rolling start, analysts say.

10 entrepreneurs who changed the world

From Starbucks to Home Depot, here are 10 of the businesses – and their leaders – that author John A. Byrne counts as 'World Changers.'

Heat wave: Four things that will rise with the temperatures

Slowing down because of rising heat is the expected response in any summer heat wave. But in a week like this one, where high temperatures fanned across the country, sizzling toward 100 degrees F. from Texas to Boston, some things also go up. Here are four things to expect to rise along with our desire to stay indoors and beat the heat.

Gas prices out of control? Seven ways lawmakers could help – or hurt.

Gas prices are approaching $4 a gallon and oil prices are above $100 a barrel, leading politicians in Washington and statehouses to propose a flurry of legislation. Some proposals strive to quell voter angst while others might balance budgets by raising gas prices.

An entrepreneur's plan: Trash the plans and dive right in

Entrepreneurs are minimal planners who would rather jump right in and see what works.

Starbucks logo change: No name. More mermaid. Will it sell more coffee?

Starbucks logo undergoes a redesign that drops its name. Is the coffee giant's mermaid (actually, a siren) strong enough to stand on her own?

Groupon and four other firms thrived in recession. Their secret?

Although the recession is technically over, many companies are still struggling to make up for lost profit, customers, and locations. But some companies have come out of the recession better than they went in, thanks to their adjustments to consumer demand and other smart business strategies. Here are five companies that have thrived despite the worst downturn since the Great Depression:

iPad: Can it save the magazine industry?

IPad, other tablet computers, and e-readers will create a 'reading revolution.' But publishers' revenues may lag.

Why intriguing 'Inception' is the Hollywood exception

'Inception' has pulled in more than $150 million with its unique premise and striking visuals – so why aren't there more films like it? Hollywood is risk-averse.

GOP hope for 2010: Voters nervous about Obama spending

US consumer confidence highest in eight months

Expectations for jobs, incomes, and business conditions are improving, the Conference Board says.

Are automakers also too big to fail?

A sharp drop in demand is driving the industry to pursue a bailout.

Amid economic crisis, wind power spins more slowly

Many of the big players who were drawn to alternative energy by tax creditsare now sidelined or kaput.

Rise in gay tourism stirs unease in Israel

So-called 'pink dollars' are flowing into the economy, but may deter traditional pilgrims.

South Africa's president calls attacks on immigrants shameful

President Mbeki says end 'attacks against Africans' and welcome them back home. But a police raid on a transit camp sends another message.

Etc.

Etc.

Silicon Valley's next big thing: 'clean tech'

Engineers aim to transform solar, fuel-cell, and biofuel projects into viable industries.