Economy News & Latest Economy Headlines

Bernanke: Weak Housing Has Hurt Consumer Spending

1:40PM 2/10/2012

Ben Bernanke says declines in home prices have forced many Americans to cut back sharply on spending warns that the trend could continue to weigh on the economy for years. The Federal Reserve chairman drew the connection between home values and consumer spending, which fuels 70 percent of economic activity, on Friday during a speech to the National Association of Home Builders in Orlando.

Bonds Are a 'Safe' Investment: A Big Lie Gets Even Bigger

4:55PM 2/09/2012

By Rich Smith, The Motley Fool

Economy, Investing

About a month ago, the Germany government sold $5 billion worth of Eurobonds that paid an average interest rate of -- get this -- negative 0.0122%. That's right: These bonds are guaranteed to lose value. So why did they sell? In a word, it's all about risk.

Unemployment Aid Applications Near a 4-Year Low

10:30AM 2/09/2012

By The Associated Press

Economy

The number of people seeking unemployment aid neared a four-year low last week, a positive sign that strong hiring could continue in the coming months. The Labor Department said Thursday that weekly applications for unemployment benefits fell 15,000 to a seasonally adjusted 358,000. That's the second-lowest level since April 2008.

Top 4 Staffing Stocks for an Improving Economy

1:45PM 2/07/2012

By TheStreet.com

Economy, Investing, Stock Picks

The U.S. economy has suddenly shifted into a higher gear, and "help wanted" signs are popping up at many more companies. That's great news for the whole staffing industry, but these four firms could benefit more than most.

Unemployment Rate Hits 8.3% After Hiring Burst

9:25AM 2/03/2012

By The Associated Press

Economy

Employers went on a hiring spree in January and drove down the unemployment rate for a fifth straight month to 8.3 percent, its lowest point in nearly three years. The result pointed to a resurgent job market, and it sent stock futures surging. The Dow Jones industrial average futures, which were flat before the report, jumped 95 points.

I Love (to Shop for) You: Valentine's Day Spending Will Rise

5:10PM 2/02/2012

By Barbara Thau

Economy

Chances are, you'll be more generous with your honey this Valentine's Day than last. Consumer spending on the holiday is expected to exceed last year's levels, according to the NRF and American Express.

The Food of Love: Valentine's Day Dining by the Numbers

2:15PM 2/02/2012

By Dawn Kawamoto, The Motley Fool

Economy, Food, Features, Holidays

A romantic dinner is a Valentine's Day staple, and lovebirds are once again making reservations to dine with their special someones. (And guys, you're running out of time!) So which are the top choices of cuisine, and how much will the check be when it comes to the table? Read on...

'Made in China' Is Starting to Get Too Expensive

7:30AM 2/02/2012

By The Motley Fool

Economy

U.S. workers are far, far more productive than their Chinese counterparts -- mostly because we have a big head start on automation. And when you combine lower productivity with the rising wages that Chinese laborers now demand, you get what may be the recipe for the rebirth of American manufacturing.

Manufacturing Expands at Fastest Pace Since June

10:45AM 2/01/2012

By The Associated Press

Economy

U.S. factories grew in January at the fastest pace in seven months, boosted by a rise in new orders. And builders ended a poor year for construction by spending more on homes and projects for the fifth straight month. The reports bolster other data showing the U.S. economy started the year strong.

7 Ways Inflation Will Hit Americans in 2012

2:05PM 1/31/2012

By InvestorPlace

Economy, Morgan Stanley , Netflix, Southwest Airlines, Starbucks

With the economy still trying to muster a recovery, and unemployment still around 8.5%, any price increases are painful. And just a month into 2012, a spate of headlines points to more hurt ahead. Here are seven ways inflation will be digging into your wallet this year: