Christmas in July? Maybe not a bad idea this year. Retailers are already talking about price increases of up to 15 percent this year on holiday goods, from staples like tree ornaments and toys to luxury gifts like European handbags and clothing. The main cause? It's the same old chestnut, soaring energy prices. ...more

July 31, 2008

There's a debate in the media about the recession. ...more

July 25, 2008

Cash-strapped homebuyers and borrowers facing foreclosure will get some relief from a housing bill passed by the House on Wednesday but the bill won't solve the deep-rooted ills of the U.S. housing market. ...more

July 24, 2008

The reports just keep coming that consumers are still having difficulty paying their debts. ...more

July 20, 2008

The U.S. housing crisis may accomplish what years of parental hectoring couldn't: Turn Americans from spenders into savers. ...more

July 17, 2008

Demand Is Worldwide U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor's article "Declaring Independence From Big Oil" (Other Views, July 4) is typical of politicians who like to pose as economists when in fact they are not. She is a typical lawyer who takes license to pose as an expert on energy and oil. Her article looks like party boiler plate. As the chief economist for the Foundation for Fiscal Reform, Inc. in Palm Harbor, I warn our readers nationwide each week of the dangers of politicians. ...more

July 12, 2008

Shoppers, enticed by heavy discounts and armed with rebate checks, spent freely in June, helping to lift retailers' sales. The outlook for the back-to-school season remains tough, though, as consumers confront high gas and food prices, a slumping housing market and tighter credit. ...more

July 11, 2008

The U.S. economy has been leaking jobs for six straight months, seven if government hiring is excluded. ...more

July 10, 2008

It may not be long before Florida motorists are paying close to $5 for a gallon of gasoline. ...more

July 1, 2008

When Congress started fashioning a sweeping rescue package for struggling homeowners this year, 2.6 million loans were in trouble. But the problem has grown considerably in just six months and is continuing to worsen. ...more

June 29, 2008