Topic: U.S. Department of Commerce

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Five ways House Republicans are striking fear in environmentalists

House Republicans are attempting to shape US environmental policy by attaching to their 2011 spending plans so-called "riders" that would target regulations ranging from greenhouse gases to mining.
Can economy's 2010 growth spurt last? Five clues.

The US economy grew at a relatively healthy 3.2 percent annual rate in the final quarter of 2010, the Commerce Department reported Friday. That is an improvement from a 2.6 percent rate in the third quarter.
But to many Americans, it's hard to tell if anything is really better. Buried in the new report are clues to why that is – and what might happen to the economy in the year ahead. Here are five things that the government’s preliminary report on gross domestic product reveals about the health of the economy.

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Decoder Wire
Is Congress broken? Startup Act shows what can work.

The Startup Act is a modest piece of pro-business legislation unveiled Tuesday. It won't change the world, but that's why it may pass. In a partisan Congress, 'good' may be better than 'perfect.' 
China rails at 30 percent tariff on solar panels

China says the US is "deliberately provoking trade friction in the clean energy sector." The US says Chinese exporters were dumping cut-price solar panels in the US market.
US imposes tariff on Chinese solar panels, a victory for US manufacturers

US manufacturers had sought the ruling by the Commerce Department that Chinese firms were dumping solar panels, but the dispute is likely to aggravate US-China relations.
Gas prices are falling: why that might not really help Obama

Gas prices have dropped steadily in recent weeks, and the issue is barely registering with voters. While that eases some pressures on Obama, it doesn't necessarily translate into more votes.
Dow Jones hits highest mark since 2007

The fastest growth in US manufacturing in 10 months gave stocks a lift Tuesday and pushed the Dow Jones industrial average to its highest close in more than four years.
Why stock market is spinning its wheels despite positive trends

Consumer income and spending are up, but the stock market has been largely stagnant since February. Two big trends could be behind the Dow's tepid spring.
GDP report puts Obama in economic 'gray zone.' Will Republicans profit?

GDP increased at a 2.2 percent annual rate in the first quarter, Commerce Department said Friday. That's below economists' expectations. The news gives Republicans ammunition against Obama.
The Reformed Broker
Does good weather boost consumer spending?

In the warmest March on record, retail sales beat expectations. But shouldn't the boost have been bigger?
Stocks fall on gloomy Fed forecast

Federal Reserve policymakers said they were worried about a slowdown in hiring, pushing down stocks and Treasury prices. The Dow fell 64 points to close at 13199.
Robert Reich
Economic rebound? Not for most of us.

For the richest Americans, the recovery is in full swing. But everyone else is losing ground.
Wall Street closes out best first quarter in 14 years

Wall Street sees dramatic gains for indexes in first quarter of 2012: Dow climbs 8 percent; S&P rises 12 percent; Nasdaq is up 19 percent.
Falling commodity prices lower stocks

Falling commodity prices pushed stocks lower Wednesday. The Dow fell 71 points to close at 13126, and all three major indexes lost at least a half percent.
Durable goods rise less than expected

Durable goods were expected to rise sharply after January's big decline. But February's 2.2 percent rise in durable goods disappoints.
Obama's energy policy takes center stage as $4 gas prices loom

Obama's energy policy will be the subject of the president's three-stop tour starting Wednesday. He wants to deflect criticism that he's not doing enough to fight rising gas prices.
Gold prices, commodities fall on China weakness

Gold prices drop more than $20 an ounce. Copper, oil, and soybean prices also decline as concerns mount about an economic slowdown in China. Gold prices close below $1,650 an ounce.
China subsidized solar panels, US finds. Are tariffs the right response?

A Commerce Department investigation found that Chinese government-subsidized solar panels were dumped in the US market, harming US manufacturers.
Stocks down amid falling Chinese demand

The Dow dropped 68 points to close at 13170 Tuesday after two reports suggested an economic slowdown in China.
Son of migrant workers, now solar CEO: Don't put tariffs on Chinese solar panels

The US government is considering special tariffs on solar panels that are imported from China. These tariffs could result in higher costs for solar energy components, endangering the vibrant US solar industry and derailing America's progress toward job creation and energy security.
Dow jumps 218 on market's biggest 2012 day

Bank stocks led the market to its biggest single day gain of 2012. The Dow rose 218 points to close at 13177, its highest close since 2007.
LightSquared unable to use wireless spectrum due to interference with existing GPS devices

Wireless Internet connections from LightSquared can confuse GPS devices. Now, the FCC says it may revoke LightSquared's permit to eliminate the risk of such interference.
Stocks rally as Greek debt talks show signs of life

After losing for most of the day, the Dow rallied to close up four points at 12878 on late reports that suggested the unraveling Greek debt talks might be saved after all.
The Daily Reckoning
Should you invest in a no-growth economy?

We’ve just had one of our best months in stock market history. Many investors are convinced that it is the beginning of something big. But is the economy really recovering enough for investing to make sense?
Strong manufacturing data boosts stocks

Stocks climbed Wednesday after strong manufacturing data and encouraging reports about the Greek debt crisis. The Dow rose 83 points to close at 12716.
With Facebook IPO, time to friend privacy

Facebook's IPO, or initial public offering, will lead to shareholder pressure on the firm to squeeze profits out of users' personal data. Google, too, faces more scrutiny as it mines user data even more. Privacy watchdogs need to be on the alert.
Robert Reich
The biggest risk to the economy in 2012

Forget the European debt crisis. Widening economic inequality is worsening here at home, and little is being done to stop it.