economic downturn

Some are holding potluck dinners instead of springing for the entire feast. Others are staying home rather than flying. And a few are skipping the turkey altogether. On this the fourth Thanksgiving since the economy sank, prices for everything from airline flights to groceries are going up, and some Americans are scaling back.

Enough gloom and doom for one recession: Let's focus for a moment on the opportunities that shine through the clouds. When the economy heads south, certain stocks get attractively priced, and activist investors see a chance to seize foundering companies and turn them around.

Nearly 90% of Americans still see owning a home as a key part of the American Dream, but 39% see us in a permanent economic downturn. Meanwhile, Obama has set his sights on closing tax loopholes for businesses and the rich, but the Fed just cut banks a break in new rules on debit card swipe fees.

The vacancy rate for U.S. apartments in the second quarter has reached 7.5 percent -- the highest level since 1987, increasing 1.4 percentage points from a year ago, according to real estate research firm Reis Inc. The all-time record for vacancies was 7.8 percent in 1986. Victor Calanog, Reis's...

According to Reuters, Americans are more optimistic about the economy and America's future since President Obama's ascension to the throne in January. Yesterday's New York Times/CBS News poll showed that two-thirds of those polled believe the president is performing well. Digging into the numbers...

It's hard times for everyone. While the economy might have you and me putting off plans for the ski vacation or bathroom remodel, another kind of person is having to hold off on those shiny new breasts or their dream nose. soKe.flace('popeater-popeater_tv_scars', '645', '618');...