February 2010 Headlines

Brisk 5.9 Percent Growth in Q4 Will Likely Fade

The economy rocketed ahead at a 5.9 percent pace in the final quarter of 2009, stronger than initially estimated but it isn't expected to carry over into this year.

Bernanke: Low Rates to Go On for 'Extended Period'

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke says that with the weak state of the economy, interest rates will remain low for months to come.

New Home Sales Hit Record Low in January

Sales of new homes plunged to a record low in January, underscoring the formidable challenges facing the housing industry as it tries to recover from the worst slump in decades.

Oil Hovers Below $79 After U.S. Crude Supply Drops

Oil prices remained below $79 a barrel Wednesday, while a report showed U.S. crude inventories unexpectedly fell last week - a tentative sign that demand may be improving.

Money-Saving Tips from 'The Frugal Girl'

One woman has been frugal all her life and through her blog, "The Frugal Girl," she teaches others how to live on less.

Consumer Confidence Falls Sharply

Rising job worries sent a key barometer of confidence to its lowest point in 10 months, raising concerns about the economic recovery.

DiNapoli: Wall Street Bonuses Up 17 Percent

Wall Street bonuses were up 17 percent to over $20 billion in 2009, the year taxpayers bailed out the financial sector after its meltdown.

Big Budget, Big Debt Could Be Big Trouble

With proposed increases in deficit spending, many analysts are warning that the President's new budget plan will further burden American families.

Leading Oil Traders Predict Looming Oil Crunch

Oil crossed the $80 barrier per barrel on Monday, continuing a rally that began early this month.

New Credit Card Reform Laws Now in Effect

Sweeping credit card reform goes into effect Monday, which prevents credit card companies from imposing sudden rate hikes and excessive fees.

Attn. Homeowners: The Truth on 'Strategic Defaults'

In these tough times, many homeowners find themselves owing more on their houses than they are worth. Now many are considering walking away from their mortgages.

Will Credit Card Act Do More Harm Than Good?

New credit card rules set to take effect this month are designed to give responsible consumers a break. But some question if they'll do more harm than good.

Wal-Mart Profit Rises 22 Percent for 4Q

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. reported a 22 percent increase in its fourth-quarter profit as the world's largest retailer cut costs and slimmed down its inventories.

U.S. Debt Growing Concern for Investors

The rapidly increasing U.S. government debt is clearly a concern for foreign investors.

Gold Price Hits Two-Week High

The price of gold was on the rise again Tuesday and it continues its recent move higher.

U.S. Debt Will Keep Growing Even with Recovery

The debt of the U.S. threatens to overwhelm the federal budget -- even if the U.S. adds no new additional spending program.

French Analyst: Collapse of Euro 'Inevitable'

A top European banking analyst in France says the collapse of the Euro is "inevitable."

Retail Sales Rise by 0.5 Percent in January

Retail sales posted a better-than-expected increase in January, a welcome development that could mean stronger economic growth in coming months.

Obama: Bankers Bonuses Part of Free Market

Less than a month ago, President Obama called bank executives' pay, "obscene". But now he's saying he doesn't, "Begrudge people success or wealth."

Foreclosures Down in January, but Surge on Way?

A surge in cash-strapped homeowners who've fallen behind on mortgages could be on the way.

Report: Consumers Spent Modestly in January

Retail sales rose for the third month in a row in January, compared with a year earlier, according to a report by MasterCard Advisor's SpendingPulse.

European Stocks Fall From Debt Fears

Stocks have hit their lowest levels since last November and other markets around the world have fallen too.

Wall Street Jittery over Jobs Report

Wall Street is jittery over a new jobs report by the Labor Department that showed unemployment fell 9.7 percent in January.

Real Estate Expert Gives Advice to Homeowners

With experts predicting housing prices to continue to fall, how should homeowners respond?

Surveys: U.S. Economy Strengthening

According to a Federal Reserve survey, banks have stopped erecting new hurdles for consumers and businesses to borrow money.