Topic: U.S. Department of Commerce

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Top 10 metros for job growth

Some metropolitan areas have a booming jobs market, thanks to energy, manufacturing, or sometimes just the right mix of highly diversified industries. Here's a look at the 10 metros that have seen the largest percentage increase in jobs over the past 12 months:
Five ways House Republicans are striking fear in environmentalists
Can economy's 2010 growth spurt last? Five clues.

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30-year mortgage rate rises for first time in 2012

30-year mortgage rate climbes to an average 3.98 percent. Last week, the average 30-year mortgage rate stood at a record low 3.88 percent.
Robert Reich How can Americans compete globally?

Who should have the primary responsibility for making American workers globally competitive – the private sector or government?
Electric vehicles entrepreneur from China stumbles in US

Electric vehicles partsmaker has string of California projects delayed or canceled for lack of cash. But research center for electric vehicles and other green power is funded and operating.
Obama seeks power to shrink federal government

Obama will call on Congress to give him a type of reorganizational power last held by a president when Ronald Reagan was in office.
New home sales near all-time low

New home sales in 2011 could be the worst ever, despite a rise in November. Last month saw a 1.6 percent increase in new home sales, far less than what economist had hoped for.
Dow surges 337 on Europe, housing report

The Dow jumped 337 points to close at 12103 as good news from Europe combined with a surprisingly strong report on US housing sent stocks soaring through their best day of the month
US deficit falls: Trade imbalance smallest since 2009

US deficit falls 11.6 percent in third quarter as exports rise. Although US deficit falls for the quarter, the annual current account deficit is expected to rise a modest 2 percent.
Stocks fall late, erasing midday gains

Stocks slid in late afternoon trading. The Dow lost 66 points Tuesday to close at 11954, after gaining as much as 126 points earlier. Stocks on the Nasdaq and S&P 500 also suffered losses.
Stocks creep higher after steep losses

Stocks calmed down after Monday's big declines. Stocks on the Dow gained 69 points by noon Tuesday.
US stocks fall sharply after ECB inaction

US stocks were down near session lows in midday trading. The European Central Bank's announcement that it had no large-scale bond-buying plan undercut enthusiasm for US stocks.
Restoring the basic bargain between the rich and the rest

The deal at the heart of the American economy is that employers pay their workers enough to buy what employers are selling. When we forget that–as we have over the last decade–the trouble starts.
Stocks slide on lowered economic growth estimate

The Dow lost 53 points to close at 11493 amid a downward revision of U.S. economic growth and renewed worries about Europe's debt crisis
A look into the future? Obama and Romney battle in New Hampshire.

In New Hampshire, President Obama seeks to revive sagging support in a state he won in 2008. Republican rival Mitt Romney plays offense, with his first TV ad stirring controversy.
OWS: Protest movement is growing

A combination of police crackdowns and bad weather are testing the young Occupy movement. But rumors of its demise are premature, to say the least.
U.S. economy finally back to pre-recession level

U.S. economy posts 2.5 percent increase for third quarter, up from 1.3 percent in second. Biggest challenge for U.S. economy: jobs.
US economy grew at 2.5%. Will that quiet talk of a double dip?

Growth rate for the US economy was 2.5 percent in the third quarter, the government reported. That's an improvement over the first half of 2011, when concerns escalated about a double dip recession.
How 'Made in USA' parts wound up in Iraqi bombs; US indicts Iranian ring

Radio frequency modules made in Minnesota turned up in 16 unexploded roadside bombs in Iraq. According to an indictment unsealed Tuesday in Washington, the culprit was an Iran-based ring.
Unemployment benefits, trade data point to improvement

Unemployment benefits claims dipped by 1,000, just below expectations for unemployment benefits claims. Trade balance report confirms US avoided third-quarter recession.
Unemployment benefits applications fall but joblessness remains high

Unemployment benefits: Fewer people applied for unemployment benefits last week, though some of that was due to technical factors. And the economy grew slightly more in the April-June quarter than previously estimated.
Wall Street calm ahead of Federal Reserve 'twist' to tweak economy

Indications that Greece might not default on its debt, as well as reports that the Federal Reserve has a new plan to stimulate the economy, prompted a solid day on Wall Street.
August retail sales grind to a halt

Flat August retail numbers a bad sign for consumer spending and confidence
Governors can create jobs: lousy ones

Rick Perry's Texas leads the nation in job growth, but the wages for those jobs are far below the national median
Stocks close lower following Bernanke remarks

The Dow lost 119.05 points to close at 11,295.81 as Bernanke's address failed to outline specific plans for economic recovery
Opinion: US response to 9/11 contributed to causes of current debt crisis

The costs of military engagement in Afghanistan and Iraq account for well over one-quarter of the increase in US national debt since 2001. Financing wars and defense build-ups in this way is an historical aberration. Americans have typically paid for wars through higher taxes.
Bankruptcy for Solyndra. Is it China's fault?

Bankruptcy of the third US solar company in recent weeks has some Democrats accusing subsidized competition from China. Could revamped trade policy protect 'green' firms from bankruptcy?