All Economy
- How skewed is America's income inequality? Take our quiz.
Income inequality has become a central issue in the presidential election, with President Obama declaring it “the defining issue of our time,” Mitt Romney decrying “the bitter politics of envy,” and Romney’s former Bain partner (and current campaign contributor) Edward Conard arguing, in a new book, that income inequality is something America needs more of. To evaluate what the candidates say in the coming months, you’ll need a working knowledge of the topic. How well do you know American inequality? Take this quiz based on my new book, "The Great Divergence":
The new elevator pitch: Now in five slides or lessMaking that initial pitch to potential investors is an essential, and often terrifying step in the start-up process. Conventional wisdom encouraged a pitch of ten Powerpoint slides, but a new trend is pushing consolidation and concision, limiting entrepreneurs to just five slides.
Oil prices hit eight-month low in AsiaOil prices near $81 a barrel in Singapore trading. London also sees oil prices fall as worries rise about the adequacy of Spain's bank bailout.
He's a fan: One man's defense of Ron PaulA staunch libertarian, presidential candidate Ron Paul has always had interesting ideas about how best to run the American economy. From Austrian economics to the gold standard and free market money, a new book outlines and defends Paul's plans.
Too good to last: Relief over Spain bank rescue fades quicklyThe news of a bailout of Spanish banks caused a brief burst of optimism to penetrate the gloom of Wall Street Monday. But within hours stocks had fallen again, with the Dow closing down 142 points at 12,411, another large decline.
Zombie apocalypse? Economic zombies thrive off of state spendingFunded by cheap credit and government spending, Bonner foresees an impending war ahead between the zombies — people who take money from the productive sector of the economy and transfer it to themselves — and the productive parts of the economy.
Euro rally fades after Spain bank rescueOver the weekend, European countries agreed to lend up to $125 billion to Spain to help its crippled financial industry. Traders are concerned that it's only a temporary fix for the European debt crisis.
Air sealing your home stops pesky leaks, trims the energy billLooking for a weekend project? Poorly-sealed windows and doors allow air to leak out of your home, forcing appliances to run longer to compensate. But air sealing your home stops the leaks, and puts those wasted dollars back in your wallet.
Credit scores: Can another card user hurt your credit rating?Credit scores for children and spouses can be helped by adding then as authorized users on your own credit card. But does that put your own credit scores at risk from their behavior?
'Race for the Arctic' exposes need for US to ratify UN treatyAs the world continues to seek out new energy sources, the Arctic Ocean is becoming a hot bed of activity. The US must ratify the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea in order to secure exclusivity rights to the lucrative area.
Job interviewer asks for Facebook password. Should you give it?Some companies now ask for Facebook and social media passwords so they can check out job applicants. One state is banning the practice, and at least 10 others are weighing similar bans.
Looking for a high MPG car this summer? Get in lineToyota, Volkswagon among companies who say demand for fuel-efficient cars may outstrip supply this summer. According to some industry insiders, the demand for so-called "green" cars is already so high that four automakers are dramatically increasing production.
Father's Day: cheap, memorable gifts for DadFather's Day is fast approaching, and the search for the perfect gift well underway. But planning a day together is the best Father's Day gift you can give, and it doesn't have to cost much. Father's Day is question nine in this week's mailbag.
Jamie Dimon to testify on huge JPMorgan Chase lossJamie Dimon will testify before the Senate Banking Committee Wednesday about JPMorgan Chase's $2 billion trading loss. The Jamie Dimon testimony will be a chance for senators to score big political points.
Boost China. Bail out Spain. Save the US?Spain's $125 billion bailout package, combined with heightened stimulus in China, may be key to the US enjoying its own modest economic growth,
What Greece can learn from FinlandDespite being half its size, Finland actually surpassed Greece in first quarter GDP last year. What is Finland doing right, and what is Greece doing wrong?
Joe Paterno's will sealed from the public. Strange move?Joe Paterno's will was permanently sealed from public view as a measure of privacy for the Penn State coach's family. Attorneys call the move to seal Joe Paterno's will 'very strange.'
OPEC may cut oil surplus. Higher prices to follow?OPEC has hinted that it could take measures to reduce an oil glut that has sent barrel prices tumbling. Oil prices fell below $100 a barrel last week, prompting OPEC to take action.
Stock market rescue? Spain's bailout buoys stocks.Stock market in Spain rises 2.5 percent, after Europe announcement of a bailout for its banks. Asia and other European markets also move up, as futures point to a higher open on the US stock market.
Spanish banks to get bailout. Spain left holding the bag.Markets may not be impressed with Europe's latest rescue of Spanish banks, because the bailout will increase the liabilities of the Spanish government by up to €100 billion.
