Topic: The Conference Board

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Entering the job market? Your education matters more than ever.

The unemployment figures don't lie: The Great Recession accelerated a long-term trend in the job market, in which education and skills are the best guarantees for work and good pay.
Sagging consumer confidence lowers stocks

The Dow fell 43 points to close at 13197 Tuesday as weak readings on consumer confidence gave investors little reason to extend the recent rally.
The Circle Bastiat What Bernanke gets wrong about the gold standard

The redistribution created by the Fed’s monetary pumping actually weakens the economy over time as real savings is squandered on malinvestments. With gold as money, real production and savings is stimulated. Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke doesn't understand that.
Stocks lower on worries about Chinese economy

The Dow slipped 78 points to close at 13046 amid signs that suggest the Chinese economy is weakening.
US stocks shrug off higher gas prices to push Dow above 13,000

Better economic news from Europe helped lift US stocks past the symbolic plateau. The Dow last closed above 13,000 in May 2008, before the collapse of the housing market.
Paper Economy Consumer confidence slides

Early reports indicate that consumer expectations will drop in February, indicating that consumers are tightening even further on spending.
The Daily Reckoning Creating more debt won't solve the economic crisis

World banks are trying to solve the financial crisis the same way they caused it — by creating more debt.
Dow, S&P have best start in 15 years

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 3.4 percent in January and the Standard & Poor 500 gained 4.4 percent, the best performances for both indexes to open a year since 1997.
Paper Economy Consumer confidence improves

The University of Michigan's Index of Consumer Expectations rose to 68.4, and the Current Economic Conditions Index climbed to 82.6.
Obama sees approval rating rise. Is it the economy or something else?

Gallup polling shows Obama enjoying his highest approval rating since July. Possible boosts include the economy and his clash with the GOP over the payroll tax cut. But he remains vulnerable.
Stocks climb on encouraging signs in economy

Stocks on the Dow rise for the third day in a row, buoyed by falling jobless claims and better readings from leading indicators.
Consumer expectations improve

In early December reports, consumer sentiment increased, to a reading of 67.7, but fell 9.13 percent below the level seen last year.
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.
Home prices fall back to 2003 levels

Home prices in 20 US metros show continuing decline, down 3.6 percent from a year ago, according to S&P/Case Shiller index. Home prices fall in September in 15 of the 20 metro areas tracked by the index.
Stocks gain modestly on consumer confidence

The Dow rose 32 points to 11555 as a jump in US consumer confidence and new efforts from European leaders to find more aggressive cures for the region's debt crisis encouraged investors
Euro stocks rise, thanks in part to American shoppers

Euro stocks climbed higher Tuesday after strong signs from US consumers and the Italian debt sales. But warnings over Italy could send euro, stocks tumbling soon.
Black Friday boom: Perfect start to promising holiday shopping season?

A record 226 million shoppers visited stores and websites over Black Friday weekend, up from 212 million last year. But the mood remains one of caution and strategic buying for the rest of the holiday season.
Stocks stay put as Europe eases debt fears

The Dow gained 25 points to close at 11796 as investors balanced positive signs for the US economy with a looming deadline for Congress' deficit super committee
Good news at last for college graduates: an improved job outlook

Hiring of the next crop of college graduates will increase about 7 percent over the 2010-11 academic year, according to a new survey. But competition for jobs will still be fierce.
Consumer sentiment improved in October

The final numbers for October indicated improvement in consumer sentiment with a reading of 60.9 but falling 10.4 percent below the level seen last year while one year inflation expectations declined to 3.2 percent.
Deflation risks rising: Nightmare scenario

Deflation: If forecasts are correct, several factors could present a dangerous combination the Fed might not allow to brew for very long.
U.S. stocks fall as hopes for Europe falter

U.S. stocks closed with steep losses amid reports that a key meeting of Europe's finance ministers was canceled. The Dow fell 207 points to 11706 as poor corporate earnings felled U.S. stocks.
US gains 103,000 jobs: Is risk of a new recession fading?

Some 103,000 new jobs in September doesn't mean the recession risk has been wiped away. Rather, it shows the US economy walking a knife-edge line between tepid growth and decline.
Consumer sentiment drops. Inflation expectations rise.

Consumer sentiment is at levels that suggest consumer spending could fall even further.
Compact cars: More are on the way

Compact cars will be built in greater numbers this year as automakers cater to penny-pinching consumers. Companies also hope to eat into sales of Toyota, Honda compact cars.