All Economy
Home sales up 7.8 percent in AugustThe National Association of Realtors' Existing Home Sales Report for August showed a notable increase in sales. Total home sales climbed 7.8 percent since July 2012, rising 9.3 percent above the level seen a year ago.
Federal income tax: Who doesn't pay it and why?The 46 percent of Americans who don't pay federal income tax can be divided into those who have no taxable income and those who have enough tax breaks to wipe out their tax liability.
Housing starts rise in AugustSingle family housing starts increased 5.5 percent from July 2012. Housing starts climbed 26.8 percent above the level seen in August 2011.
Arsenic in rice? Consumer Reports finds 'higher' levels.Arsenic in rice is at higher levels than most foods in the US, according to a Consumer Reports study. Consumer groups are urging the FDA to set guidelines for the allowable levels of arsenic in rice. The FDA says there is no danger in eating rice, but urges people to diversify their diets.
Yahoo! mega deal pays investors; stocks riseYahoo! has completed a long-awaited $7.6 billion deal with China's Alibaba Group, generating a windfall that could help ease the pain of Yahoo! shareholders and send stock prices higher.
FocusHousing market turning a corner? Signs of hope for homeowners.Rising home values and declining foreclosure rates indicate a slow but steady recovery for the US housing market. Obstacles remain, however, including negative equity due to 'underwater' mortgages.
Japan easing boosts Asia's stock, but not Europe'sJapan's central bank boosts bond-buying in an effort to lower interest rates. Japan's Nikkei index jump to a four-month high, but European stocks are unmoved.
- FocusRise of the renter delays the dream of homeownership
More Americans seek low-cost rentals instead of homeownership in the post-crash housing market. Affordability is the main challenge with 42 million US households paying more than 30 percent of their income on housing.
Save money by preparing for the worstWhat you pay for your homeowners insurance is partly determined by how disaster-resistant you make your home, Hamm writes. To save money on your rate, consider installing smoke and burglar alarms that automatically contact emergency services when activated.
- Does uncertainty cost the economy jobs? Fed researchers call it a big problem.
Economists at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco say uncertainty over future taxes and other policies has raised unemployment by one to two percentage points. That's lots of jobs.
The best and worst states for driversA new study by CarInsurance.com ranks New Hampshire and Alaska among the top states for drivers, Read writes. Mississippi and Louisiana, on the other hand, make drivers miserable.
FedEx's weak outlook leaves stocks mixedStock prices were mixed Tuesday after FedEx sharply reduced its fiscal-year profit forecast. FedEx's stock fell $2.73, or 3.1 percent, to close at $86.55.
What's missing from your home? An inventoryTo make the most of your home insurance, Hamm recommends making a detailed inventory of your possessions. If disaster strikes, you'll have a better idea of how much you need to be reimbursed.
The ideal economy: How do we get what we really want?In a completely free market, we can assume people will get what they want, or at least what they deserve, Bonner writes.
Spain dithers: Stocks fall, borrowing costs riseStock markets fall as investors grow nervous about Spain's delay in asking for a bailout. Spain's bond yields rise, but bond auctions generate strong response.
Housing market shows improvement in SeptemberThe National Association of Home Builders' Housing Market Index rose notably in September, but housing market conditions still remain fairly distressed by historic standards.
Occupy Wall Street fizzles. Is the movement over?Occupy Wall Street celebrated its one-year anniversary Monday with demonstrations that led to several arrests, but not an enthusiastic turnout. Is Occupy Wall Street finally finished for good?
Small savings add upSaving a few dollars here and there eventually add up to big numbers. The key is making these small financial steps a daily routine, Hamm writes.
FedEx cuts service on dim global economy outlookFedEx forecasts are closely watched for signals of future economic health, and the package delivery company is cutting its forecast for the fiscal year ending in May because of the worsening global economy. FedEx is seeing a drop in demand for more expensive priority services.
Oil prices plunge after last week's bumpOil prices bobbed above $97 per barrel and then retreated on Tuesday, a day after prices unexpectedly took a plunge. The drop in oil prices erased the gains made last week when the Federal Reserve unveiled new steps to boost the US economy.
