All Economy
Darth Vader burger? A black bun? Oui!Darth Vader burger arrives Jan. 31 at the French fast-food chain Quick, barely a week ahead of the release of 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 3D.' Just don't call it a Darth Vader burger.
Unemployment rate falls to 8.5%; GOP still using jobs as battering ramThe US economy netted 200,000 new jobs in December, and the unemployment rate fell. Even as Democratic politicians hail the jobs report, Republicans say any number above 8 percent is unacceptable by now.- China's new European trade hub: An Irish town of 18,000The Irish town of Athlone has approved a project that could bring as many as 400 Chinese businesses to Ireland. With China facing declining growth and Ireland mired in debt, both stand to benefit.
Unemployment rate drops to 8.5 percentThe 'total unemployment' rate fell to 15.2 percent in December, while the traditionally reported unemployment rate dropped to 8.5 percent- Africa Rising: Sub-Saharan Africa set for 2012 boomRising demand for natural resources is a boon for countries such as Sierra Leone, Niger, and Angola. But high consumer prices still pinch Africa's middle class.
How much money do you really make?When figuring out what you earn, factor in job related costs–like nicer clothes, gas for a long commute, and travel expenses.
Stock market divide: Asia down, Europe upStock market indexes in Asia close lower on bad news out of Europe. But European stock market indexes rise on hopes for stronger US job data.
Yearly roundup of world currencies: The yen, the rupee, and everything in betweenHow 14 of the world's largest currencies fared against the dollar in 2011.
IRS 12 times more likely to audit millionaires than the rest of usThe IRS audited one in eight millionaires who filed taxes last year while only auditing 1 in 100 individuals earning less than $200,000 in an effort to "assure that there's equity in the system."
Tax filing deadline: IRS moves it to April 17Tax filing Americans get a two-day reprieve because of quirks in the calendar. A Washington, D.C., holiday extends tax filing season to April 17.
Bluefin tuna auctioned in Tokyo for record $736,000Bluefin tuna auction: Tokyo's Tsukiji fish market saw last year's record broken with the auction of a $736,000 bluefin tuna. It also broke the record for most expensive bluefin tuna by the pound, priced at $1,238 per pound.
Romney's tax plan: Big benefits for the wealthy, higher deficitsMitt Romney’s tax plan would cut taxes for millions of households but bestow most of its benefits on those with the highest incomes. At the same time, it would significantly cut corporate taxes and add hundreds of billions of dollars to the deficit.
When will the debt bubble burst?With the Fed printing more and more money, when will the federal debt problem become too big to handle?
Why banks shun 30 million AmericansA quarter of US households have few or no ties to the banking system, which hurts their financial future. Financial reform has made it even harder for banks to serve them.
Dow takes a tiny fall; stocks mixedAfter dropping sharply early Thursday, the stock market gained steady ground for six straight hours. The Dow lost 2 points to close at 12415, its first loss of 2012.
Why Barnes & Noble is considering separating the Nook from its businessBarnes & Noble says it had record sales on its Nook device but that the Nook Simple Touch sales numbers were less than projected.
The decline of the American public goodMuch of what’s called “public” is increasingly a private good paid for by users, and the rest has become so shoddy that that those who can afford to find private alternatives.
Bankruptcy protection: Kodak makes moves to stave it offKodak may file for bankruptcy protection, as analysts wonder if the company will find a buyer for its trove of patents. Bankruptcy protection could hit 'in the coming weeks,' according to one report.
New Girl Scout cookie: Can 'Smiles' compete with Thin Mints?New Girl Scout cookie honors organization's 100th anniversary. The new Girl Scout cookie, the 'Savannah Smiles,' is a lemon shortbread cookie dusted with powdered sugar.
New Year's tax policy resolutions: work together, stick to goalsThis year, tax policy makers need to work together to achieve revenue goals, and never lose sight of the long-term.
