May 2010 Headlines

America's Approaching Debt Disaster

If you don't think the economic chaos in Greece can come to America, economists say think again. 

Veterans Having Tough Time Finding Jobs

The nation's unemployment rate continues to hover just under 10 percent. But America's veterans are having an even harder time finding a job.

Gas Prices Down, But What Does Future Hold?

Gas prices are going down and they may hit the lowest levels in a year.  But for the long term the U.S. faces serious oil and energy problems.

Consumer Spending Posts Weak April Reading

Consumer spending was stagnant in April while incomes posted a tiny advance, signs that the economic recovery could slow.

Personal Bankruptcies Rise in 1st Quarter

Nearly 1.5 million Americans filed for bankruptcy last year and the number grew in the first quarter of this year.

Moody's: U.S. Credit Rating Stable For Now

However, the agency warned in a statement on Tuesday that America's heavy debt and record spending could pose a risk to that high rating.

Poll: Economists More Upbeat Despite Deficit Woes

Economists forecast the pace of U.S. growth to pick up in the year ahead as consumers and businesses alike accelerate spending.

Risks, Rewards of Investing Explained

Some U.S. investors may be wondering what to do with their money during these volatile economic times.

Mortgage Rates Fall to 50-Year Low

The economic turmoil in Europe is helping home buyers in the U.S.

New Financial Rules Might Not Prevent Next Crisis

The most sweeping changes to financial rules since the Great Depression might not prevent another crisis.

Mortgage Delinquencies Drag on Economy

A record number of homeowners have been falling behind on their mortgage payments, the Mortgage Bankers Association announced this week.

Jobless Rates Drop in 34 States and D.C.

Unemployment rates fell in a majority of states last month as improved economic conditions spurred hiring.

Stocks Climb a Day After Biggest Drop in a Year

Stocks have turned higher a day after posting their biggest drops in more than a year.

European Markets Slide Despite German Vote

Europe's stock markets slid again Friday even though German lawmakers approved a massive eurozone rescue package.

Mortgage Rates Hit Yearly Low

The average for a 30-year fixed loan is now 4.84 percent, which is down from 4.93-percent earlier this week.

Merkel: Need 'Signal of Strength' on Regulation

German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged the world's economic powers to send a "signal of strength" on tougher financial regulation.

Oil Falls Near $68 to 8-month Low on Europe Fears

Oil prices fell to near $68 a barrel Wednesday in Asia, extending losses to an eight-month low as mixed U.S. crude supply figures failed to stem a two week sell-off.

EU Pushes for Deficit Cuts to Ease Crisis

European Union member nations are pushing for deep cuts in their budget deficits.

GM Rides Cost Cuts, New Model Sales to 1Q Profit

General Motors Co. says it rode cost cuts and strong sales of new models to its first quarterly profit in nearly three years.

Ripple Effect: Meltdown Ahead for Europe, U.S.?

Analysts worry the problems with Greece and other countries could drag down the European economy - and that could hurt the U.S. as well.

Consumer Spending Rises for 7th Straight Month

Retail sales rose in April for the seventh straight month, offering hope that consumer spending will keep supporting the economy in the months ahead.

Federal Budget Deficit Sets New April Record

The deficit hit nearly $83 billion last month which is a record for the month of April. And it was far above last year's deficit of $20 billion.

Foreclosures Drop 2 Percent from Last Year

The number of homes facing foreclosure last month fell two percent from a year ago -- the first annual decline in foreclosures in five years.

Gold Price Hits All-Time High

The price of gold has hit an all time high, trading just above $1243 dollars an ounce.

World Stocks Down as EU Deal Euphoria Fizzles

The euro and world stocks were down Tuesday, despite earlier market euphoria over an almost $1 trillion plan to stop Europe's debt crisis from spreading.

Stock Market Recovers After Last Week's Losses

Stocks soared on Wall Street Monday, helping the markets recover some of last week's big losses.

Market Gains Set Up CEO Pay Bonanza

America's top CEOs are set for a once-in-a-lifetime pay bonanza.

Economy Shows Promise, Investors Still Shaky

A better than expected jobs report did little to calm investors.  Wall Street ended a roller coaster week with another day of ups and downs.

Markets Jittery After Calamitous Thursday

One day after a shocking plunge in the New York Stock Exchange, investors remain nervous.

Retailers Report More Modest April Shopping

Americans eased back in April from their March shopping spree but the spring selling season is ending up respectable, an encouraging sign for the economy.

Treasury Plans to Auction $78B in Debt Next Week

The Treasury Department said that it plans to borrow $78 billion in a series of three debt auctions next week.

MasterCard 1Q Spikes as Shoppers Reach for Plastic

MasterCard Inc. on Tuesday said its first-quarter profit jumped 24 percent with more shoppers feeling comfortable enough to reach for the plastic again.

Continental, United to Combine in $3B Deal

United and Continental Airlines said on Monday they're forming the world's largest airline in a deal worth about $3 billion.

Airline Merger Creates World's Largest Carrier

United Airlines announced it is buying Continental Airlines, and together they will create the world's largest carrier.

Airlines Made $7.8 Billion from Fees Last Year

The government says airlines collected $7.8 billion in revenue from so-called ancillary fees last year, up a staggering 42 percent from 2008.

Consumer Spending Advances Sharply but Incomes Lag

Consumer spending rose in March by the largest amount in five months but the gains were financed out of savings.