The number of newly laid off workers seeking unemployment benefits dropped much more than expected last week. ...more

May 9, 2008

You won't hear the R-word much in the modest governor's mansion in Helena, Mont. ...more

February 24, 2008

A weak holiday season and a struggling economy led retailers Sharper Image Corp. and Lillian Vernon Corp. to file for bankruptcy this week, and analysts predict others could soon follow them as consumer spending worsens. ...more

February 21, 2008

Major retailers' cautious ordering of goods is expected to salvage what could have been dismal fourth-quarter profit, but the 2008 outlook looks more sobering. While stores can manage how much merchandise they order, they can't direct consumer spending - which is on the skids. ...more

February 15, 2008

Starbucks Corp. is experimenting with a cup of coffee for its stores that would add a new, premium product to help fight the first drop in U.S. customer visits in its 37-year history. ...more

February 15, 2008

The U.S. trade deficit shrank more than forecast in December and showed the first annual drop since 2001 as the faltering economy eroded demand for imported autos and Chinese-made consumer goods. ...more

February 15, 2008

Retail sales posted a surprising rebound in January following a dismal December, though much of the strength reflected rising gasoline prices. Economists saw the increase as a temporary blip rather than a sustained recovery. ...more

February 14, 2008

Urging quick approval of a $150 billion stimulus plan, Bush said an infusion of consumer spending is needed to stave off a recession. Although House leaders have approved the plan, Senate Democrats are expanding it to include money for Social Security recipients and an extension of unemployment benefits. Bush warned this "would delay or derail it, and neither option is acceptable." ...more

January 29, 2008

The success of the federal $150 billion emergency economic stimulus plan will hinge on whether American consumers do what they do best - spend, spend, spend. ...more

January 26, 2008

If you get a pay envelope, Uncle Sam's about to put a little something extra in it. Then he wants you to go out and spend, spend, spend. ...more

January 25, 2008