Economy

What do you get when an economist digs into America's food culture? If the economist is Tyler Cowan, you get "An Economist Gets Lunch," in which he offers some surprising culprits for our eating woes, and some clever ways to get the best meals for less.

The number of people seeking unemployment benefits was unchanged last week at 370,000, a number low enough to suggest steady gains in the job market. Applications for benefits are near the lowest levels in four years.

U.S. factory output increased in April, helped by a gain in auto production. Busier factories have driven stronger hiring this year and helped the economy grow. The Federal Reserve said Wednesday that factory production rose 0.6% in April, erasing a 0.5% decline in March.

U.S. consumer prices were flat last month as cheaper gas offset modest increases for food, clothing and housing. The data indicate that inflation remains in check.

JPMorgan Chase's rapid $2 billion trading loss reportedly involved credit default swaps -- the same investments that played such a large role in the financial crisis. Here's why credit default swaps still pose such a threat to the U.S. economy.

There's a lot going on behind the beautiful bouquet you'll give to mom on Sunday: Those flowers are a weapon in America's war on drugs. On the flip side, some people say they're also a symbol of a misguided economic policy dating back to the first President Bush.

The number of people applying for U.S. unemployment benefits ticked down last week after dropping sharply the previous week, evidence hiring could pick up this month.