economy

Housing Recovery Boosts Home Depot's 1Q Profit

Even though the weather was poor, Home Depot posted an 18 percent increase in its net income for the first quarter thanks to the ongoing housing recovery.

Americans Better About Paying Credit-Card Debt in 1Q

Americans got better about paying their credit card debt on time in the first quarter, a period when many borrowers use income tax returns to tackle their holiday season debt.

Consumer Spending Forecast to Boost U.S. Economy

Consumer spending is likely to pick up this year, while government spending declines at a faster rate, according to a survey of business economists.

How I Squandered My Inheritance at Age 18

Lyn Roman inherited a small trust fund, and spent it all in a year. But the lessons she learned from her mistakes, and how she bounced back from them, have been priceless.

Obama: Congress Needs to Focus on Job Creation

Obama pushes Washington lawmakers to focus on job creation during a trip to Baltimore to visit a manufacturer of pumping and digging equipment.

Economy Shrugging off Spring Slowdown, Reports Suggest

U.S. consumer sentiment rebounded in early May to the highest level in nearly six years as Americans felt better about their financial and economic prospects.

Obama Shifts Focus to Jobs

President Barack Obama leaves behind scandal-focused Washington to focus on the country's slowly improving jobs picture.

J.C. Penney Posts Huge 1Q Loss

J.C. Penney reports a first-quarter big loss on a 16 percent revenue plunge as the chain continues to reel from the turnaround plan implemented by former CEO Ron Johnson.

Powerball Jackpot Leaps to $550M

The Powerball jackpot has jumped to $550 million, a major climb less than a day after the latest drawing produced no winning ticket.

Consumer Prices Tumble in April, Driven Down by Gas Prices

A sharp drop in gasoline costs led U.S. consumer prices to tumble in April by the most in more than four years.

U.S. Housing Starts Plummet in April, But Permits Surge

Ground-breaking for new U.S. homes plummeted more than expected in April from an almost five-year high.

Congress Divided Over Federal Food-Stamp Program

House and Senate committees have laid the groundwork this week for reducing the size of the federal food stamp program, approving farm bills that would shrink food aid.

U.S. Homebuilders' Confidence Climbs in May

Confidence among U.S. homebuilders rebounded in May, reflecting improved sales trends during the spring home-selling season.

U.S. Factory Output Sees Broad Decline in April

U.S. factories cut back sharply on production in April, as auto companies cranked out fewer cars and most other industries reduced output.

Producer Prices Post Biggest Drop in Three Years

U.S. producer prices recorded their largest drop in three years in April as gasoline and food costs tumbled.