A Gauge of Consumer Confidence Hits Five-Month Low
Confidence among U.S. consumers has sunk to its lowest point since July, according The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index for December. The November figure was a five-year high.
IHS Global Insight
Global Tablet Sales Poised to Soar, Analysts Project
Analysts are feeling bullish about the market for tablet computers, with two new reports projecting that global unit sales will jump tenfold over the next few years.
Why U.S. Auto Sales Should Speed Up in 2011
It's still hard to diagnose how the overall economy will fare in 2011. But the signs for at least one area all seem to be pointing up: car sales. Analysts predict the number of vehicles sold next year will rise 10% to 23% above that of 2010.
Ford May See Record Third-Quarter Earnings
Riding high on improved demand for its vehicles, analysts expect Ford to post a record third-quarter profit of $1.37 billion tomorrow. The automaker's current third-quarter earnings record is $1.13 billion, set in 1997.
What's Really Going On With Jobs?
Entering February, a mixed picture on employment has developed: Job cuts in January reached their highest total since August, but still represent a 70% reduction from the same time a year ago, when they peaked at 241,749. What's going on?
Toyota Dealers Have That Lonely, Sinking Feeling
The recalls could cost the company tens of millions of dollars, but what about it dealers? Some estimates put their loss as high as $2.5 billion a month. That's a lotta Tundras-full of cash. If the recall and production shutdown drag on for months, it's possible that some dealers may have to close.
Making Sense of the Mixed-Up Unemployment Report
Far more jobs were lost than expected in December, but the overall rate remained at 10%. Indeed, the report held a little something for bulls and bears alike. But one thing is starting to become clear: It appears unemployment has peaked.
