ihs global insight

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

Barack Obama, whose presidential campaign made fixing the economy its main issue, needs to focus more on other things. That's the opinion expressed in a surprising poll Gallup released today. "More Americans choose the economy (41%) than any other issue as the top priority for Barack Obama, but...