Topic: Nariman Behravesh

Insurance companies likely to hike rates in 2012

Insurance companies are likely to end 2011 in the black, despite a string of weather disasters. But insurance companies are expected to raise premiums..

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.

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.

Japan, Libya crises won't derail recovery, unless...

A longer-than-anticipated shutdown of Japan's factories – or the spread of fighting in Libya to major oil producers – could stop a fragile economic recovery in the developed world.

Japan nuclear crisis rocks Dow; uncertainty clouds stocks' future

After plunging at the opening Tuesday, the Dow Industrial Average regains some ground. But uncertainty over the Japan nuclear crisis could weigh on the economy, and markets, for some time.

Productivity weakens. Time to cheer?

Productivity fell 0.9 percent last quarter, suggesting that US companies will slowly start to hire more workers.

G20 summit dilemma: Stimulate economic growth or rein in deficits?

The chief question at this weekend's G20 summit will be how to keep the world economy growing. The Europeans are cutting government spending, ignoring President Obama's call for more stimulus.

Greek debt crisis: What does it mean for the US?

Europe could be in for some major belt-tightening to handle the Greek debt crisis, as well as problems in Spain, Portugal, and Ireland. That could slow US economic growth somewhat.

Four reasons US manufacturing could shine

Here are four reasons US manufacturing is becoming more competitive globally.

ECONOMIC SCENE: US living standards may languish even after recession

Sluggish growth could last for decades, economists say.

US stocks enjoy strongest quarter since '98

Signs of easing in US economic slide

Several indicators offer hope that the recession might be finally nearing the bottom.

Idle capacity at US factories reaches record

US productivity drop: return to bad old '70s?

Americans' work hours were cut 8 percent, the largest quarterly drop since 1975.

The yin and yang of US productivity rise

The 3.1 percent rise is based on a big fall in hours worked.

Economic stimulus plans now global phenomenon

At least 34 countries have plans, worth a total of $2.25 trillion.

Credit crunch shows little sign of easing

Most banks have tightened lending, choking off needed credit for some US businesses.

Will stimulus plans go global?

Efforts outside the US tend to amount to 1.5 percent of GDP or less, one tally finds.

US economy's gloom expected to begin lifting by late '09

Until then, employment, output, and housing prices will keep falling.

A global war on inflation

Many nations have begun to tighten their credit reins in an effort to curb rising prices.

Oil Shock 2?

With prices at $120 a barrel, Americans are facing an oil adjustment.

Signs the U.S. dollar free fall is ending

The greenback has bounced back a bit after hitting a record low against the euro last week.