October sales reports from major retailers ranging from Target Corp. to Macy's Inc. are expected to offer more evidence of a spending recovery when they're released Thursday. ...more

November 5, 2009

With the recession apparently over, the Federal Reserve on Wednesday held a key interest rate at a record low and again pledged to keep it there for an "extended period" to foster the fragile economic recovery. ...more

November 5, 2009

Fueled by government stimulus, the economy grew last quarter for the first time in more than a year. The question now is, can the recovery last? ...more

October 30, 2009

The Federal Reserve delivered a vote of confidence in the economy Wednesday, saying it would slow the pace of an emergency rescue program as the recession appears to be ending. ...more

August 13, 2009

The more than 1.8 million Floridians on food stamps are getting an increase in their monthly benefits, thanks to the federal economic stimulus package. ...more

April 1, 2009

The government says consumers increased spending for a second straight month in February even though their incomes slipped because of continuing layoffs. ...more

March 28, 2009

President Barack Obama claimed early progress Tuesday night in his aggressive campaign to lead the nation out of economic chaos and declared that despite obstacles ahead, "we're moving in the right direction." At the second prime-time news conference of his presidency, Obama also toned down his criticism of bonuses to executives at bailed-out AIG, and shot back at Republican critics of his budget. ...more

March 24, 2009

In his March 13 letter, Peter Stathis accuses me of saying deficit spending is bad when Republicans do it, but OK when President Barack Obama does it. Not true. ...more

March 15, 2009

The number of laid-off workers receiving unemployment benefits has jumped to an all-time high near 5 million while new jobless claims remain well above 600,000. Both figures were worse than expected and new projections from the Federal Reserve show unemployment rising for the rest of this year. ...more

February 19, 2009

Consumer spending fell for a record sixth straight month in December as recession-battered households, worried about surging layoffs, boosted savings rates to the highest level since May. ...more

February 3, 2009