With oil at the once unfathomable price of $100 a barrel, consumers can expect the cost of filling their gas tanks, heating their homes - in fact, the price of most everything - to also keep rising. ...more

January 3, 2008

U.S. House members spent $20.3 million in tax money last year to send constituents what's often the government equivalent of junk mail: meeting announcements, tips on car care and job interviews, surveys on public policy and just plain bragging. ...more

December 28, 2007

No matter what economic surprises await over the horizon, the Florida Chamber of Commerce Foundation is right that a cornerstone of smart planning must include a vigorous quest for the best jobs and an increased emphasis on excellence in education. ...more

December 20, 2007

Consumers grousing about soaring gas prices often focus on the big oil companies and anyone else who might profit when it costs more at the pump. One culprit that doesn't always get blamed when prices rise - a weak dollar - could draw more attention in the coming year. ...more

December 15, 2007

Retail sales exceeded forecasts in November, and wholesale prices jumped the most in 34 years, diminishing both the need and scope for the Federal Reserve to make deeper interest-rate cuts. ...more

December 14, 2007

Federal Reserve policymakers are expected to slice a key interest rate for a third time this year in an effort to prevent troubles in the housing and credit markets from sinking the nation's economy. ...more

December 11, 2007

Several major airlines outlined plans Tuesday to slow their growth and cut costs to deal with higher fuel prices and the prospect of an economic slowdown that could hurt air travel. ...more

December 5, 2007

Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke on Thursday hinted that another interest rate cut may be needed to bolster the economy. The worsening credit crunch, a deepening housing slump and rising energy prices probably will create some "headwinds for the consumer in the months ahead," he said. ...more

November 30, 2007

Pets rule at the holidays, especially dogs, and that helps keep many retailers' registers ringing. ...more

November 23, 2007

The housing collapse and credit crisis will slow economic growth and nudge up unemployment next year, the Federal Reserve said Tuesday in a first-of-its-kind forecast that some economists think will lead to interest rate cuts early in 2008. ...more

November 21, 2007