Recession

The 40 Most Unusual Economic Indicators

Every day, data-gathering agencies publish reports about where the economy stands and where it's headed: GDP, manufacturing, unemployment and the like. But for a less conventional approach to economic forecasting, consider these unusual indicators.

Oil Prices Rise as Fiscal Cliff Recession Fears Recede

The price of oil jumped by more than a dollar on Wednesday, to above $93 a barrel, after U.S. lawmakers passed legislation to avoid a fiscal cliff that could have pushed the world's biggest economy into recession, and reduced global demand for energy.

Fiscal Cliff Talks Appear to Be Stalled

Despite an intensifying pace, little progress is being reported in talks on averting automatic spending cuts and tax increases that economists fear could send the U.S. economy off a "fiscal cliff."

Pop Quiz: October's Nightmares on Wall Street

In honor of Black Monday 1987 and Black Monday 1929, we bring you the October recession/depression quiz. If you've ever wondered what causes recessions, how we survive them, and how they end, take our quiz and find out!

Pop Quiz: What Did Washington's Bailout Bonanza Buy for America?

The government's Great Recession bailouts are one of the hot topics of debate this election. But let's skip the rhetoric and run the numbers. If you think you know the facts about the bailouts, or if you're just curious, take a peek at our bailout quiz.

The Real Source of the Middle Class' Money Woes

There are many reasons the middle class feels squeezed right now: unemployment, underwater mortgages, rising college tuition. But it's a combo of three other factors that made the 2000s a lost decade for average Americans: declining household income, shrinking net worth, and a smaller middle class.

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.

Surprising Job That Gets Many Americans Into the Millionaire Club

So you want to be a millionaire and you're wondering what it takes? Finding the right career is a good place to start -- think doctor, manager or business owner. But people in at least one field hold a greater chance of living in a millionaire household than you'd ever guess.

Walmart Takes Another Bite Out of Its Grocery Prices

If you shop at Walmart for groceries, your food bill is about to shrink. The nation's largest retail chain is looking to provide some extra financial relief to its shoppers by offering lower prices on grocery items every day, Reuters reports.

GM Posts Record Earnings: Is It Ready to Repay Bailout?

2011 was the most profitable year in General Motors' history. Thanks in large part to the $50 billion government-assisted restructuring it received, GM's U.S. operation is in good shape. So is it ready to fully pay back Washington now? Well, that depends on Europe.

Why Dollar Stores Are Hotter Than Ever (Even for the Rich)

Dollar stores are luring a lot more consumers these days, and their rock-bottom prices aren't the only reason: The chains have undergone major makeovers in recent years, sprucing up their dingy digs and adding better merchandise.

Frugal Americans to Take a DIY Approach in 2012

Americans plan to apply a new DIY-attitude across the board this year -- to their vacations, staying in shape and even beauty maintenance. It's all part of the trend of trying to scale back and save more money.

After Holiday Buying Binge Comes a Spending Diet

The holiday season was a heck of a party for retailers, but consumers are nursing a shopping hangover that'll keep them out of stores for a few months. "Now that those credit card bills are hitting mailboxes, shoppers will cut back in a very significant way," said Britt Beemer of America's Research Group.

3 Reasons Oil Prices Are Headed Higher in 2012

Americans have grown used to oil at $100 a barrel and paying more than $3 per gallon for gas at the pump. But don't get too comfy -- the price of filling up is probably going up in 2012.

The (Extended) Family Home: Why Millions Are Moving In

Multigenerational households in this country are growing fast. At the end of 2009, 51.4 million Americans lived in a home with three or more generations under one roof, up nearly 5 million from 2007. So what's driving this trend, and how can you move in relatives without drowning in drama?

Give Painlessly: How to Be More Charitable With Less

The holidays are a time to give, but the current economy is really hurting charities. Still, just because money's tight doesn't mean you have to give up on giving: There are several new ways to be generous without opening your wallet -- and some even save you money when you donate.