Wall Street Journal (Economy)
Weekly Jobless Claims Fall 13,000
Initial unemployment claims fell for a second consecutive week, but continuing claims remained at levels typically associated with recessions. Separately, a reading on leading economic indicators for July fell sharply.
Housing's Chill Hits Apartments
The specter of job losses is beginning to take a toll on apartment buildings as would-be renters are doubling up in apartments or moving in with friends and families.
U.K. Has Few Options for Economy
The U.K. economic outlook is bleak, and the government has few options for bringing about a recovery.
After Decades, Iran Buys U.S. Wheat
Iran's resumption of U.S. wheat purchases signals its limited options for large quantities of high-quality grain. The purchase this summer ends a 27-year hiatus, but doesn't indicate whether the trade represents larger, geopolitical developments.
Growth Wanes for India's Tech Titans
India's information-technology industry is losing steam. The credit crunch and spending slowdown in the U.S. are hurting the companies' biggest market, while a cheaper dollar shrinks their profits. Competition is rising from other low-cost nations.
German Investor Sentiment Improves
German investor sentiment improved in August on declining oil prices and a weaker euro, the ZEW survey showed.
Growth in Labor Costs Accelerates
The growth in labor costs picked up in the first quarter, the OECD said, a trend likely to concern central banks.
Developed Economies' Growth Slow
Developed economies grew at the slowest rate in almost seven years during the second quarter, OECD figures showed.
Dangerously in Debt?
Former U.S. Comptroller General David Walker speaks out on the perils of the rising federal deficit in the new film "I.O.U.S.A."
Producer Prices Rose 1.2% in July
Producer prices surged last month to their highest annual rate in 27 years, showing inflation is still running high even as the U.S. economy slows. Most Fed officials are betting inflation will moderate in coming months, but some policy makers remain uneasy about price increases spreading through the economy.
Paulson Cites Progress on Yuan
Paulson said that China is moving in the "right direction" on its currency reform efforts even though some U.S. lawmakers are probably dissatisfied.
BOJ Offers Grim Outlook
The Bank of Japan held interest rates steady but downgraded its assessment of the domestic economy, describing it as "sluggish" for the first time in 10 years.
Florida Readies for Tropical Storm Fay
Tropical Storm Fay could be another economic blow for Florida, which already is straining to cope with the housing crisis and broader financial downturn. Florida officials insisted they are much better prepared than in 2004.
Convenience Stores Score in Japan
In baking heat and a cooling economy, Japan's convenience stores are thriving as depressed consumers stock up on cigarettes and ice-cold drinks.
France Readies Plan to Halt Recession
France aims to present a plan on how to prevent the euro zone from falling into recession at next month's meeting of EU finance ministers.
German Engineering Union Set for Wage Push
German engineering union IG Metall plans to demand inflation-busting wage increases during fall talks that will affect 3.6 million workers.
Singapore's Exports Fall
Singapore's non-oil exports unexpectedly contracted in July as its shipments to the U.S. fell at the fastest pace since late 2001.
Commodities Flash a Signal of Relief
A sharp drop in commodity prices is raising hopes that inflation is peaking in many parts of the developing world, especially in Asia, providing welcome relief for the fragile global economy.
Dollar's Rise Could Damp Inflation
The dollar marched higher again, continuing a development that could ease inflationary pressures but also could slow an export boom. The rally is a sign of weakness in other economies and closely tied to declines in commodity prices.
Hong Kong's GDP Declines 1.4%
Hong Kong's economic growth slowed more quickly than expected in the second quarter, showing its first quarter-to-quarter decline in five years as the effects of financial problems elsewhere spilled into the territory.
Recent comments