Great Depression

Why Smart Investors Should Support Immigration Reform

For the first time in a generation, there seems to be political will on both sides of the aisle to pass new immigration legislation. It's an issue generally framed as a political or cultural one, but it has profound consequences for investors, businesses and the whole U.S. economy.

Top 10 Business Stories of 2012

This would be the year when the global economy finally regained its vigor. At least that's what many had hoped. It didn't happen. So what were the top ten business stories of 2012?

What Kate's Royal Pregnancy Is Reminding Us About Raising Kids

The announcement of Kate Middleton's pregnancy last week was joyous for the Windsor family and royal-watchers alike. But all the fuss around the story hides an uncomfortable truth: For many of us, having an heir is getting unaffordably expensive and folks feeling the pinch are putting it off.

Labor Day Pop Quiz: What Are We Really Celebrating This Weekend?

Most people only think of Labor Day as a nice excuse for long weekend, the beginning of fall, or the start of football season. But it's actually one of the most controversial American holidays, a celebration of the unionized laborers -- who made America strong.

What a Return to the Gold Standard Would Mean for You

This week, the GOP is considering a bold plan to transform the U.S. economy: a return to the gold standard. Most economists are highly skeptical about what it would do to the economy. But how it would impact the average taxpayer? Here's a look at what it means -- and how it would affect you.

U.S. Economic Recovery Is Weakest Since World War II

Since World War II, 10 U.S. recessions have been followed by a recovery that lasted at least three years. An Associated Press analysis shows that by just about any measure, the one that began in June 2009 is the weakest.

5 Ways to Save Your Tax Refund (and 1 to Spend It)

Chalk it up to the nation's lingering economic malaise: More Americans this year plan to sock some of their tax refund away in savings. If you're among them, here are a few smart ways to stash that cash.

Welcome to the New Normal, Generation Y: Get Used to It

Hello, Gen Y! I've got good news and bad news for you. The good news is we've dodged a double dip recession. The bad news is that you're going to be seeing high unemployment for a long time to come. Here's some advice ...

Women's Heels Fall Out of Step With Economic Outlook

Historically, women's heel sizes reach new heights when the economy is down, and fall when it's prosperous. But come winter and spring, we'll be seeing more women in kitten heels and flats, despite the continuing economic doldrums.

For Top Bankers, the Era of Easy Job Hopping Is Ending

The banking world works in a lot of ways like a sports league. You can be a star, but that barely matters if your team is in last place. But if you're lucky enough to be a premiere bankers, you could always go elsewhere if your team's fortunes faded. That fluidity in finance world may, however, be fading.

The Financial Landscape: Are the Unemployed Against Their Benefits?

The New York Times has found some unemployed people to argue against an extension of jobless benefits: "In a recent survey of the unemployed by Rutgers University, more than one in four respondents was opposed to renewing the current extended unemployment benefits.

How Our Economy Has Changed Since 9/11

Many of the economic problems of Sept. 11, 2001, feel awfully familiar today: Recession, bursting bubbles, low consumer confidence, predatory lending. But of course, it's a whole new world now, so we asked economists what the most significant shifts of the past decade have been.