Unemployment Claims Highest In 5 Weeks, Rise To 372,000
The number of Americans filing new claims for jobless benefits unexpectedly rose last week, suggesting the labor market is healing too slowly to make much of a dent in the unemployment rate.
germany
Billion-Dollar Cup of Joe: German Family to Acquire Peet's Coffee
Peet's Coffee & Tea said on Monday it is set to be acquired by Joh. A. Benckiser for about $1 billion, a move that would give Peet's a financial jolt, and broaden the reach of Germany's Reimann family.
Double-Dip Recession Hits Eurozone as Crisis Clouds Swirl
The eurozone has sunk back into its second recession since 2009, a Reuters poll predicted on Thursday, as the debt crisis that has ravaged the continent for over two years continues to stifle growth.
European Central Bank Cuts Rates to New Low to Help Economy
The European Central Bank has cut its key interest rate by a quarter percentage point to a record low of 0.75% to boost a eurozone economy weighed down by the continent's crisis over too much government debt.
Eurozone Unemployment Hits New Record High
Unemployment in the 17-country euro currency bloc hit another record high in May -- 11.1% -- as the crippling financial crisis pushed the continent toward the brink of recession, official figures showed Monday.
This German Woman Has Lived Without Money For 16 Years
As we edge closer to a cashless society, some consumers are quietly challenging the idea of money in the first place -- by giving it up completely. Meet Heidemarie Schwermer, who gave up a cushy career to do just that.
Economically, What Happens in Europe Doesn't Stay in Europe
Sunday's elections in France and Greece were a firm vote against austerity, and regardless of the merits of either side of the debate, that means the future of the eurozone is again in doubt. Here's why the bond markets care so much -- and why you should, too.
U.S. Stock Futures Push Higher on Improving Jobs Numbers
U.S. stock futures are higher with the government reporting that weekly jobless claims edged downward last week, suggesting that employers may accelerate hiring this month.
U.S. Stock Futures Fall After European Voters Reject Austerity
The roiling political landscape of Europe pushed U.S. stock futures lower Monday as beleaguered voters in Greece and France rejected years of painful budget cuts. The Dow fell 46 points to 12,911. The S&P 500 slipped 5.7 points to 1,356.80. The Nasdaq fell 12 points to 2,613.50.
Hedge Funds Betting Against the Eurozone: Why You Should Worry
Some of the world's most prominent hedge fund managers are betting against the eurozone -- and not just the weak little countries -- we're talking Germany and France. Here's why that's bad news for all of us.
Dead Letters: Post Office's Harsh Cuts Will Make Its Deficits Worse
If you ask the postmaster general, saving the Post Office will require shutting down one out of three post offices, laying off tens of thousands of postal workers, and ending Saturday mail delivery. Trouble is, he's wrong.
A 'Safe' Way to Lose Money: Why Not to Buy Bonds Now
About a month ago, the Germany government sold $5 billion worth of Eurobonds that paid an average interest rate of -- get this -- negative 0.0122%. That's right: These bonds are guaranteed to lose value. So why did they sell? In a word, it's all about risk.
Cautious Investors Stay Focused on Europe's Woes
Stock markets in Europe traded in fairly narrow ranges Monday as Germany's leader warned that Greece may not get its next batch of bailout cash. Chinese shares surged after authorities pledged to increase bank lending to entrepreneurs. Europe's stumbling efforts to get a handle on its debt crisis remains the focus of interest in the markets.
Poker Champ Pays No Taxes on $8.7 Million
There's Herman Cain's 9-9-9 Plan. There's the Buffett Rule. But Pius Heinz's All for Me deal is our favorite. Heinz recently won the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, earning $8,715,636 -- tax-free.
Lehman Brothers' First Share Sells for $33,000
While creditors continue to fight over the crumbs of Lehman Brothers, one tiny piece of the investment bank just demonstrated close to a 66,000% return on investment -- as a collectors item: A 50-cent share in the bank was sold at auction Saturday for 24,000 euros -- about $33,000.