DailyFinance http://www.dailyfinance.com DailyFinance http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.dailyfinance.com/media/feedlogo.gif DailyFinance http://www.dailyfinance.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/D-Day for Harry Reid: Can he wrangle 60 votes for Senate health reform bill?http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/20/d-day-for-harry-reid-can-he-wrangle-60-votes-for-senate-health/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/20/d-day-for-harry-reid-can-he-wrangle-60-votes-for-senate-health/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/20/d-day-for-harry-reid-can-he-wrangle-60-votes-for-senate-health/#commentsFiled under:

Perhaps Ringo Starr should attend Saturday night's start to the debate over the health care reform bill in the Senate. After all, it was Starr who first uttered the malapropism that later became a hit song (and movie) by The Beatles - A Hard Day's Night. Saturday evening may shape up to be just that in the upper house of Congress.

For clues regarding the bill's destiny, look for key, early maneuvering. Bill author Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat from Nevada, has to retain all 60 members of the Democratic Conference (58 Democrats, two Independents) to pass a procedural vote. If even one conference member strays -- and can't be persuaded to change the vote -- the health care reform bill won't even make it to the Senate floor for debate.

Continue reading D-Day for Harry Reid: Can he wrangle 60 votes for Senate health reform bill?

D-Day for Harry Reid: Can he wrangle 60 votes for Senate health reform bill? originally appeared on DailyFinance on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Ben NelsonBenNelsonCongresshealth carehealth care reformIn FocusInFocusMary LandrieuMaryLandrieuReidringo starrRingoStarrSenateJoseph LazzaroFri, 20 Nov 2009 19:05:00 ESTGoodyear Tire now offers a buy-on-a-pullback opportunityhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/19/goodyear-tire-now-offers-a-buy-on-pullback-opportunity/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/19/goodyear-tire-now-offers-a-buy-on-pullback-opportunity/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/19/goodyear-tire-now-offers-a-buy-on-pullback-opportunity/#commentsFiled under: ,

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.'s (GT) stock has meandered of late, but I'm nevertheless reiterating my buy rating for the company, first recommended on May 5, 2009 at a price of $13.30. Here's why.

Institutional investors sold GT after the company reported a 15% reduction in Q3 revenue and the view from here argues the selling was overdone. Goodyear will benefit from tire demand growth in 2010.

Continue reading Goodyear Tire now offers a buy-on-a-pullback opportunity

Goodyear Tire now offers a buy-on-a-pullback opportunity originally appeared on DailyFinance on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>earningsGoodyearstockstiresJoseph LazzaroThu, 19 Nov 2009 17:15:00 ESTLeading economic indicators continue to rise, though less than expectedhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/19/leading-economic-indicators-continue-to-rise-though-less-than-e/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/19/leading-economic-indicators-continue-to-rise-though-less-than-e/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/19/leading-economic-indicators-continue-to-rise-though-less-than-e/#commentsFiled under:

The Index of Leading Economic Indicators increased 0.3% in October -- its seventh straight monthly increase -- the Conference Board announced Thursday, providing more evidence that the U.S. economic recovery is progressing.

Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had expected the index to rise 0.4% in October. The index rose a revised 1.0% in September, 0.4% in August, and 1.0% in July. The LEI index now stands at 103.8. (Base year, 2004 =100.)

Continue reading Leading economic indicators continue to rise, though less than expected

Leading economic indicators continue to rise, though less than expected originally appeared on DailyFinance on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>leading economic indicatorsLEIThe Conference BoardJoseph LazzaroThu, 19 Nov 2009 12:40:00 ESTWeekly jobless claims hold steadyhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/19/weekly-jobless-claims-hold-steady/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/19/weekly-jobless-claims-hold-steady/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/19/weekly-jobless-claims-hold-steady/#commentsFiled under:

More modest progress on the employment front, as initial jobless claims were unchanged at 505,000 for the week ending November 14, but continuing claims decreased again, falling 39,000 to 5.61 million, the U.S. Labor Department announced Thursday.

A Bloomberg News economists survey had expected initial jobless claims to fall to 504,000 this week. Meanwhile, the four-week moving average for initial jobless claims decreased 6,500 to 514,000.

A year ago, initial jobless claims totaled 533,000 and continuing claims totaled 4.02 million.

Continue reading Weekly jobless claims hold steady

Weekly jobless claims hold steady originally appeared on DailyFinance on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>continuing claimsjoblessjobless claimsunemploymentJoseph LazzaroThu, 19 Nov 2009 09:50:00 ESTHousing starts unexpectedly plunge in Octoberhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/18/u-s-housing-starts-unexpectedly-plunge-in-october/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/18/u-s-housing-starts-unexpectedly-plunge-in-october/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/18/u-s-housing-starts-unexpectedly-plunge-in-october/#commentsFiled under:

Construction on new housing unexpectedly plummeted 10.6% in October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 529,000, the U.S. Commerce Department announced Wednesday, gouging a pothole on the housing sector's road to recovery. It was the lowest housing start level in six months.

A Bloomberg News economists survey had expected housing starts to total a 590,000 annualized rate in October. Housing starts totaled a revised 592,000 annual pace in September, and 587,000 annual pace in August. Housing starts hit a cycle-low 479,000 pace in April.

Further, although housing starts are still up 8% since January, analysts caution that any increases in housing sector activity stem from a very low point with depressed construction levels, following the nation's worst housing recession in more than a generation.

Continue reading Housing starts unexpectedly plunge in October

Housing starts unexpectedly plunge in October originally appeared on DailyFinance on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>constructionhousing startsJoseph LazzaroWed, 18 Nov 2009 11:20:00 ESTInflation creeps up in October on higher energy, auto priceshttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/18/inflation-creeps-up-in-october-on-higher-energy-auto-prices/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/18/inflation-creeps-up-in-october-on-higher-energy-auto-prices/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/18/inflation-creeps-up-in-october-on-higher-energy-auto-prices/#commentsFiled under:

A few bread crumbs for the inflation hawks in October, as consumer prices rose 0.3% in October, the U.S. Labor Department announced Wednesday. Energy prices rose for the fifth time in six months.

The core rate -- which excludes the often-volatile food and energy component -- rose 0.2%. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had expected consumer prices to increase 0.2% in October, and the core rate to rise 0.1%.

Continue reading Inflation creeps up in October on higher energy, auto prices

Inflation creeps up in October on higher energy, auto prices originally appeared on DailyFinance on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>consumer price indexdeflationinflationJoseph LazzaroWed, 18 Nov 2009 10:10:00 ESTThis stock's safety, dividend and growth are hard to beathttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/17/this-stocks-safety-dividend-and-growth-are-hard-to-beat/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/17/this-stocks-safety-dividend-and-growth-are-hard-to-beat/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/17/this-stocks-safety-dividend-and-growth-are-hard-to-beat/#commentsFiled under:

U.S. electric power demand may be sluggish, due to the recession, but investors should view that as a temporary phenomenon. True, increased energy efficiency across the U.S. economy will be a trend for the next decade and beyond, but relatively low-cost electric power does not go out of style, which is why I'm reiterating my buy rating for American Electric Power (AEP), first recommended on May 4, 2009 at a price of $25.38.

If you bought AEP in May, you're up about 25%. AEP's above-average total return on equity story remains intact. Look for an increase in retail electric demand in fiscal 2010 and that fact, combined with a decline in operating/maintenance costs, and little impact from greenhouse gas legislation until about 2018 or 2020, translates into a bargain stock at a P/E of 12.

Continue reading This stock's safety, dividend and growth are hard to beat

This stock's safety, dividend and growth are hard to beat originally appeared on DailyFinance on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>AEPAmerican Electric PowerJoseph LazzaroTue, 17 Nov 2009 17:20:00 ESTOctober producer prices rise 0.3% on higher energy, food costshttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/17/october-producer-prices-rise-0-3-on-higher-energy-food-costs/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/17/october-producer-prices-rise-0-3-on-higher-energy-food-costs/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/17/october-producer-prices-rise-0-3-on-higher-energy-food-costs/#commentsFiled under:

october-producer-prices-rise-0-3-on-higher-energy-food-costsInflation remained nearly inert at the wholesale level, as producer prices rose just 0.3% in October, the U.S. Labor Department announced Tuesday, with rising food and energy prices offsetting a sharp decline in other items. Excluding the often-volatile food and energy component, producer prices fell -0.6% in October.

The consensus from the Bloomberg News survey of economists had been that producer prices would increase 0.5% in October; they fell 0.6% in September. Economists also had expected the core rate to rise 0.1% in October after decreasing 0.1% in September.

Continue reading October producer prices rise 0.3% on higher energy, food costs

October producer prices rise 0.3% on higher energy, food costs originally appeared on DailyFinance on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>core producer price indexCoreProducerPriceIndexdeflationEconomisteconomistsEnergyfoodinflationlaborLabor DepartmentLaborDepartmentproducer price indexsurveyJoseph LazzaroTue, 17 Nov 2009 11:20:00 ESTIndustrial production inches up in Octoberhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/17/industrial-production-inches-up-in-october/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/17/industrial-production-inches-up-in-october/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/17/industrial-production-inches-up-in-october/#commentsFiled under:

The recovery in the industrial sector continues, albeit at a mild pace, as output at U.S. factories, mines, and utilities rose just 0.1% in October, following a 0.7% rise in September, the U.S. Federal Reserve announced Tuesday.

Further, most sectors registered declines in October, with the utilities sector output helping to tip the scale by rising 1.6%.

Meanwhile, the factory utilization rate, also known as capacity utilization, rose to 70.7% in October from 70.5% in September. The capacity utilization rate is still 10.2 percentage points below its average for 1972-2008, the Fed said.

Continue reading Industrial production inches up in October

Industrial production inches up in October originally appeared on DailyFinance on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>capacity utilizationindustrial productionJoseph LazzaroTue, 17 Nov 2009 10:40:00 ESTU.S. business inventories continue to fallhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/16/u-s-business-inventories-continue-to-fall/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/16/u-s-business-inventories-continue-to-fall/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/16/u-s-business-inventories-continue-to-fall/#commentsFiled under:

Still cautious, businesses continue to reduce excess inventory, as they cut costs and re-align their operations with consumer demand. Business inventories fell 0.4% in September -- the 13th consecutive monthly decline, the U.S. Commerce Department announced Monday.

A Bloomberg News survey had expected inventories to decline 0.8% in September, after falling 1.5% in August, and losing 1.1% in July. Further, inventories have fallen 13.4% in the past year.

In addition, business sales fell 0.3% after rising 1.0% in August. Sales are still down 13.1% in the past 12 months.

Continue reading U.S. business inventories continue to fall

U.S. business inventories continue to fall originally appeared on DailyFinance on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>auto inventoriesAutoInventoriesbusiness inventoriesbusiness salesBusinessSaleseconomic dataEconomicDataJoseph LazzaroMon, 16 Nov 2009 11:30:00 ESTN.Y. factory index dips in November, but still indicates growthhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/16/n-y-factory-index-dips-in-november-but-still-indicates-growth/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/16/n-y-factory-index-dips-in-november-but-still-indicates-growth/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/16/n-y-factory-index-dips-in-november-but-still-indicates-growth/#commentsFiled under:

factory-index-dips-in-november-but-still-indicates-growthA key manufacturing measure, the Empire State Manufacturing Index, declined about 11 points to 23.51 in November, but the reading still indicates that conditions are improving for manufacturers, the New York Federal Reserve announced Monday.

Readings above zero indicate manufacturing activity is growing; below zero, contracting. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had expected the Empire State Manufacturing Index to fall to 29.0 in November from 34.57 in October. The index was last below zero in July, at -0.55%.

Continue reading N.Y. factory index dips in November, but still indicates growth

N.Y. factory index dips in November, but still indicates growth originally appeared on DailyFinance on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Empire State Manufacturing IndexexpansiongrowthmanufacturermanufacturersmanufacturingNew York FedpricerecessionrecoveryJoseph LazzaroMon, 16 Nov 2009 11:00:00 ESTConsumer sentiment takes a tumble in Novemberhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/13/consumer-sentiment-takes-a-tumble-in-november/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/13/consumer-sentiment-takes-a-tumble-in-november/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/13/consumer-sentiment-takes-a-tumble-in-november/#commentsFiled under:

Chalk up a mixed-bag week for the U.S. economy: Jobless claims continued to decline, the Dow made progress solidifying gains above 10,000 -- but consumer sentiment plunged.

The Reuters/University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers says its consumer sentiment index for November (preliminary) decreased to 66 from 70.6 in October, Reuters reported Friday. Further, the index of consumer expectations declined to 63.7 from 68.6 in October, while the current conditions index fell to 69.6 from 73.7 in October.

Continue reading Consumer sentiment takes a tumble in November

Consumer sentiment takes a tumble in November originally appeared on DailyFinance on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>consumer confidenceconsumer sentimentconsumer spendingConsumerConfidenceConsumerSpendingconsumptioneconomic recoveryeconomic stimulusEconomicRecoveryEconomicStimuluseconomyshoppingJoseph LazzaroFri, 13 Nov 2009 11:45:00 ESTSeptember's U.S. trade deficit jumps to $36.5 billion, but exports also risehttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/13/septembers-u-s-trade-deficit-jumps-to-36-5-billion-but-expor/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/13/septembers-u-s-trade-deficit-jumps-to-36-5-billion-but-expor/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/13/septembers-u-s-trade-deficit-jumps-to-36-5-billion-but-expor/#commentsFiled under:

In a setback on the U.S. trade front, the nation's trade deficit surged 18.2% to $36.5 billion in September, driven higher by an increase in imports, the U.S. Commerce Department announced Friday.

A Bloomberg News survey had expected the gap to total $32 billion in September. The Commerce Department's revised numbers for August and July show deficits of $30.8 billion and $32 billion, respectively.

In September, imports rose 5.8% to $168.4 billion, led by higher oil costs. However, exports also rose, by 2.9% to $132.0 billion, led by increased sales of civilian aircraft and industrial machines.

Continue reading September's U.S. trade deficit jumps to $36.5 billion, but exports also rise

September's U.S. trade deficit jumps to $36.5 billion, but exports also rise originally appeared on DailyFinance on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>exportsimportstrade deficitJoseph LazzaroFri, 13 Nov 2009 09:50:00 ESTBudget deficit rose to $176 billion in October, worse than predictedhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/12/u-s-budget-deficit-rose-to-176-billion-in-october-worse-than/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/12/u-s-budget-deficit-rose-to-176-billion-in-october-worse-than/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/12/u-s-budget-deficit-rose-to-176-billion-in-october-worse-than/#commentsFiled under:

u-s-budget-deficit-rose-to-176-billion-in-october-worse-thanIn a disappointing start to the federal government's new fiscal year, the nation posted a higher-than-expected $176.4 billion budget deficit for October, the Treasury Department announced Thursday, as bank bailout and stimulus spending kept outlays at a high level, while the recession decreased receipts.

Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had expected the federal government to post a $150.0 billion deficit for October. The U.S. government posted a $46.6 billion deficit in September to close out FY2009 with a $1.42 trillion deficit - a fiscal year record. The nation's deficit in FY2008 was $454.8 billion. The near-tripling of the deficit compared to FY2008 was mainly due to the bank bailout and the $786 billion fiscal stimulus package.

Continue reading Budget deficit rose to $176 billion in October, worse than predicted

Budget deficit rose to $176 billion in October, worse than predicted originally appeared on DailyFinance on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bank bailoutBankBailoutbudget deficitdepressiondownturnfy2008fy2009national debtrecessionstimulusTax cutsTaxCutstaxesunemploymentJoseph LazzaroThu, 12 Nov 2009 16:00:00 ESTInitial jobless claims edge lower, continuing claims plunge againhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/12/initial-jobless-claims-edge-lower-but-continuing-claims-plunge/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/12/initial-jobless-claims-edge-lower-but-continuing-claims-plunge/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/12/initial-jobless-claims-edge-lower-but-continuing-claims-plunge/#commentsFiled under:

More good news on the employment front: Initial jobless claims fell 12,000 to 502,000 for the week ending Nov. 7, and continuing claims continued to plunge, falling 139,000 to 5.63 million, the U.S. Labor Department announced Thursday.

A Bloomberg News survey had expected initial jobless claims to fall to 512,000 this week. Meanwhile, the four-week moving average for initial jobless claims decreased 4,500 to 519,750.

A year ago, initial jobless claims totaled 509,00 and continuing claims totaled 3.93 million.

Continue reading Initial jobless claims edge lower, continuing claims plunge again

Initial jobless claims edge lower, continuing claims plunge again originally appeared on DailyFinance on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>continuing claimsinitialjobless claimslaborLabor DepartmentLaborDepartmentstimulusunemploymentunemployment rateUnemploymentRateJoseph LazzaroThu, 12 Nov 2009 10:50:00 ESTPumped-up prices: $4 per gallon gasoline may be coming in 2010http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/12/pumped-up-prices-4-per-gallon-gasoline-may-be-coming-in-2010/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/12/pumped-up-prices-4-per-gallon-gasoline-may-be-coming-in-2010/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/12/pumped-up-prices-4-per-gallon-gasoline-may-be-coming-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: ,

Has this been a trying decade for the average American, or what? It's bad enough that we've have had to cope with stagnant wages and tax increases at just about every level. But in the months ahead, we may have to deal with yet another nightmare: surging gasoline prices.

Factors are lining up that could end up pushing gas prices back over $4 per gallon sometime next year. If you're already exasperated about prices at the pump, you're not the only one. Gasoline demand in 2009 has been comparatively low -- take 7.6 million Americans out of the workforce through layoffs -- yet gasoline's price has gone up, not down.

Continue reading Pumped-up prices: $4 per gallon gasoline may be coming in 2010

Pumped-up prices: $4 per gallon gasoline may be coming in 2010 originally appeared on DailyFinance on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>AmerifuturesautomakerseconomyEnergyGasolinegasoline pricesGasolinePricesIn FocusInFocusoiloil pricesOilPricesJoseph LazzaroThu, 12 Nov 2009 09:40:00 ESTEight steps Congress can take to create more jobshttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/11/here-are-8-steps-congress-can-take-to-create-more-jobs/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/11/here-are-8-steps-congress-can-take-to-create-more-jobs/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/11/here-are-8-steps-congress-can-take-to-create-more-jobs/#commentsFiled under:

The U.S. unemployment rate is at a 25-year high, 10.2%, and the job market is likely to get worse before it gets better. The nation's economy has started to recover, but net monthly job creation -- a lag indicator -- is not likely to start for several months, and perhaps not until mid-2010. That means the unemployment rate will probably rise until early next year.

Is the United States resigned to just let market forces play themselves out, with the unemployment rate rising to whatever level it could? Or are there additional actions the U.S. Congress and state legislatures can take to stimulate job growth and create jobs? Indeed, there are measures legislators can enact. Below are a few:

Continue reading Eight steps Congress can take to create more jobs

Eight steps Congress can take to create more jobs originally appeared on DailyFinance on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>CongressIn FocusInFocusjobsunemploymentunemployment rateJoseph LazzaroWed, 11 Nov 2009 09:30:00 ESTShares of Atwood Oceanics have upside potentialhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/10/shares-of-atwood-oceanics-have-upside-potential/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/10/shares-of-atwood-oceanics-have-upside-potential/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/10/shares-of-atwood-oceanics-have-upside-potential/#commentsFiled under: ,

Rare is the day you should sell an oil services play. And the reason is obvious enough: Despite increased engine efficiency, conservation and the rise of alternate energy sources, oil will remain a primary energy for propulsion and heat for at least the next 20 years. For that reason, I'm Reiterating my Buy rating for contract driller/oil support company Atwood Oceanics (ATW), first recommended on April 25, 2009 at a price of $21.82.

If you bought Atwood in April, you're up an impressive 79%. For those who missed the April Buy call, there's good news: ATW has considerable upside remaining.

Continue reading Shares of Atwood Oceanics have upside potential

Shares of Atwood Oceanics have upside potential originally appeared on DailyFinance on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>ATWAtwood OceanicsJoseph LazzaroTue, 10 Nov 2009 17:15:00 ESTFor Obama and congressional Democrats, it's create jobs ... or elsehttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/09/for-obama-and-congressional-democrats-its-create-jobs-or-e/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/09/for-obama-and-congressional-democrats-its-create-jobs-or-e/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/09/for-obama-and-congressional-democrats-its-create-jobs-or-e/#commentsFiled under:

The universal health care debate has dominated President Barack Obama's legislative agenda so far, and with good reason: Cost-containing health care reform is a prerequisite for balancing the federal budget. But assuming he gets a signed health care reform bill in December, what should Obama's top three legislative priorities be from there? Jobs, jobs and more jobs.

No issue other than jobs, (outside of an unexpected major domestic/international crisis or a major scandal), has so great a political capacity to short-circuit both the Democratic Party's majority party status in Congress and the Obama administration's tenure.

Continue reading For Obama and congressional Democrats, it's create jobs ... or else

For Obama and congressional Democrats, it's create jobs ... or else originally appeared on DailyFinance on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>2010Democratselectionhiringjob growthJobGrowthjobslayoffsObamarecessionRepublicansunemploymentunemployment rateJoseph LazzaroMon, 09 Nov 2009 16:00:00 ESTU.S. consumer credit debt falls for eighth straight month in Septemberhttp://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/06/u-s-consumer-credit-debt-falls-for-eighth-straight-month/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/06/u-s-consumer-credit-debt-falls-for-eighth-straight-month/http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/11/06/u-s-consumer-credit-debt-falls-for-eighth-straight-month/#commentsFiled under:

u-s-consumer-credit-debt-falls-for-eighth-straight-monthU.S. consumers' efforts to pay down their credit card debts continue. Outstanding U.S. consumer credit fell by $14.8 billion or at a 7.2 percent annual rate in September -- the eighth straight monthly credit decline, the U.S. Federal Reserve announced Friday.

Economists surveyed by Bloomberg News had expected to see a September consumer credit contraction of $10 billion, after a revised $9.9 billion decline in August, and a $19 billion plunge in July. Consumer credit is down 4.7 percent compared to a year ago, and balances have fallen in 12 of the past 14 months.

In September, total outstanding consumer credit, including revolving and non-revolving credit, declined to $2.46 trillion, or by 4.7 percent compared to a year ago, the Fed said. In Q3, total outstanding debt declined at a 6.1 percent annual rate; it fell at 6.6 percent and 3.7 percent annual rates in Q2 and Q1, respectively.

Continue reading U.S. consumer credit debt falls for eighth straight month in September

U.S. consumer credit debt falls for eighth straight month in September originally appeared on DailyFinance on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>balanceconsumerconsumer spendingconsumersConsumerSpendingconsumptioncreditcredit cardsCreditCardsdebtFederal ReserveFederalReservegdpPayDownDebtrecessionJoseph LazzaroFri, 06 Nov 2009 17:20:00 EST