Economic news - CNNMoney.com


    Senate tax hike misses the mark
    The health care bill that faces a crucial test vote in the Senate on Saturday is proof that getting reform passed and getting it right are two very different things.

    FDIC announces 124th bank failure
    State regulators shuttered Commerce Bank of Southwest Florida in Fort Myers, Fla., Friday night, bringing the 2009 national tally to 124.

    Dirty secrets of Black Friday 'doorbusters'
    Here's a Black Friday reality check: Of the hordes of pre-dawn shoppers who line up for hours outside stores on the day after Thanksgiving, most will not bag the best bargains that appear in merchants' circulars.

    Poll: More blame Democrats for recession
    Nearly two years into the recession, opinion about which political party is responsible for the severe economic downturn is shifting, according to a new national poll.

    How an ex-con landed a job
    Gregory Headley got himself a job.

    Unemployment rates rise in 29 states
    Thirteen states reported unemployment rates above the national average of 10.2% in October, and a growing number reported rising jobless rates, according to a government report released on Friday.

    Has the bailout worked?
    As the Obama administration considers how to approach the next phase of the $700 billion financial bailout, questions are being raised on Capitol Hill about whether it is helping the economy.

    $4.8 trillion - Interest on U.S. debt
    Here's a new way to think about the U.S. government's epic borrowing: More than half of the $9 trillion in debt that Uncle Sam is expected to build up over the next decade will be interest.

    Jobless claims hold at 10-month low
    The number of first-time filers for unemployment insurance was unchanged last week, holding at the lowest level since January, said a government report released Thursday.

    Mortgage loans: Record number are late
    Mortgage borrowers are still falling behind on their payments in record numbers, despite the many foreclosure prevention efforts initiated by the government and non-profits.

    Mixed forecasts for holiday spending
    The stock market is up. Consumer confidence is down. Unemployment is way up. Gas prices are down.

    Are you committing career suicide?
    The difficult job market has forced millions of workers to downgrade into a position they're overqualified for or take a survival job to make ends meet. And while riding out the recession might be a practical strategy for now, what will become of the underemployed when the dust clears and it's time to get back on track?

    Ben Stein: 4 lessons from the recession
    As I write this from real estate disaster-ridden but still-glorious Los Angeles, I read much speculation that the recession is over.

    Jobs
    Dec. 4

    Manufacturing (ISM)
    Dec. 1

    Consumer Confidence
    Nov. 24

    Inflation (CPI)
    Nov. 18

    Industrial Production
    Nov. 17

    Retail Sales
    Nov. 16