Jul 28 U.S. economy shrinks for 2nd straight quarter By Paul Wiseman, Associated Press The United States economy contracted at a 0.9% annual pace last quarter, raising fears that the nation may be approaching a recession. Continue reading
Jul 26 Consumers confidence slides for third straight month By Matt Ott, Associated Press U.S. consumer confidence slid again in July as concerns about higher prices for food and gas continue to weigh on Americans. Continue reading
Aug 17 July retail sales fell 1.1 percent as COVID-19 surge hits spending By Joseph Pisani, Associated Press Americans cut back on their spending last month as a surge in COVID-19 cases kept people away from stores. Continue reading
Jan 29 WATCH: Biden introduces $1.9 trillion COVID-19 rescue plan to help economy By Martin Crutsinger, Associated Press U.S. consumers slowed their spending by 0.2% in December, cutting back for a second straight month in a worrisome sign for an economy struggling under the weight of a still out-of-control pandemic. Continue reading
Apr 01 UN says world economy may shrink by almost 1 percent in 2020 By Associated Press A new report from the U.N. Department of Economic and Social Affairs on Wednesday warned that world output could contract even further if restrictions on economic activities extend to the third quarter of the year, and if fiscal responses fail… Continue reading
Oct 16 U.S. retail sales dip 0.3 percent in September By Martin Crutsinger, Associated Press Retail sales dropped in September by the largest amount in seven months, possibly signaling that rising trade tensions and turbulent markets are having an impact on consumer spending. Continue reading
Sep 18 How the Federal Reserve rate cut could affect your finances By Gretchen Frazee The Fed’s reduction of the federal funds rate is only one of many factors that affect the U.S. economy, but it can still trigger shifts that trickle down into Americans’ finances. Continue reading
Jun 07 U.S. consumer borrowing rose $17.5 billion in April By Martin Crutsinger, Associated Press Consumer credit is a key indicator of the willingness of households to increase borrowing to support consumer spending, which accounts for 70 percent of economic activity. Continue reading
Apr 29 U.S. consumer spending spikes 0.9 percent in March By Martin Crutsinger, Associated Press The March gain was the biggest monthly increase since August 2009, the Commerce Department reported. Continue reading
Dec 10 Column: How to avoid overspending this holiday season By Tanja Hester When you focus on what you value most about the holidays, it’s far easier to moderate your spending, writes Tanja Hester who subscribes to a frugal lifestyle. Continue reading