Economics

Economic Indicators

U.S. layoffs may have stabilized

Fewer Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, a sign that the job market may be improving slightly.

By Wire services |September 1, 2011

2 min read

Industry

Bernanke draws no aces

In card playing parlance, drawing an 'ace' is usually a favorable turn of events and many stock market investors were hoping Mr. Bernanke would play an ace or two to address the weakening economic environment and as a result, the poor stock market performance this month. Instead, Mr. Bernanke’s much anticipated Jackson Hole speech was devoid of anything new as he reiterated what the Fed had announced as part of the FOMC statement from August 9th.

By David Andrews |August 29, 2011

4 min read

Economic Indicators

It’s up to Congress now: Bernanke

U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke has proposed no new steps to boost the American economy, hinting that Congress may need to act to stimulate hiring and growth.

By Wire services |August 26, 2011

2 min read

Industry

Can Europe tame the debt?

The word 'albatross' is sometimes used metaphorically to mean a psychological burden that feels like a curse. Investors reacted as if cursed by the proposed European financial transaction tax tabled at a meeting between the French President and German Chancellor this week.

By David Andrews |August 22, 2011

5 min read

Global economy in new danger zone: World Bank

The world economy is entering a new “danger zone” with the recent financial market turbulence eroding investor confidence, according to Robert Zoellick, president, World Bank. “It will be important that the primary economic actors take steps, both short and long term, to restore that,” Zoellick told reporters Sunday after addressing the Asia Society in Sydney, […]

By Staff |August 15, 2011

1 min read

Fed to leave rates “near zero” until 2013

There was no mention of a third round of quantitative easing, but the Federal Open Market Committee has announced it will leave interest rates near zero until at least mid-2013. The Federal Reserve has held rates at just 25 basis points since December 2008. Until today, the Fed had said it would keep it low […]

By Staff |August 9, 2011

2 min read

Soft confidence threatens U.S. recovery

The U.S. government has bought itself some breathing room on its financing, but the debate and brinkmanship leading up to the deal has crushed the nation’s already fragile consumer confidence. Slightly more than half (54%) of Americans say the debate weakened their confidence in the economy, according to the RBC Consumer Outlook Index for the […]

By Staff |August 4, 2011

2 min read

Economic news drives down consumer confidence

Canadian consumer confidence has taken a hit amidst negative reports on employment, continuing high gas prices, the markets, and the yet to be resolved debt crisis, according to the TNS Consumer Confidence Index for July.

By Staff |July 28, 2011

2 min read

Economics

U.S. layoffs may have stabilized

Bernanke draws no aces

It’s up to Congress now: Bernanke

Can Europe tame the debt?

Philadelphia Fed data point to recession

U.S. sees stagnant jobs market, rising inflation

Global economy in new danger zone: World Bank

Fed to leave rates “near zero” until 2013

Soft confidence threatens U.S. recovery

Economic news drives down consumer confidence